Sonora Plan to Advance in 2025 with US Support: Ebrard

The Ministry of Economy, in partnership with LitioMx, is working to accelerate lithium production and establish battery manufacturing facilities in Mexico. Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard highlighted that, as part of the Sonora Plan, the state is collaborating with US institutions to drive the development of semiconductors, electromobility, and lithium production, positioning Mexico as a key player in these sectors.

He assured that by 2025, the Sonora Plan will have made significant progress in enhancing global competitiveness, with investments set to bolster both the regional and national economies. “The Ministry of Economy is facilitating the necessary agreements, and President Sheinbaum’s directive is to expedite Mexico’s lithium production and begin establishing battery manufacturing plants in the country,” Ebrard stated.

Ebrard highlighted that Sonora is collaborating with institutions such as the University of Arizona, a key participant in the US strategy for developing a semiconductor cluster. "This is the first plan jointly designed by Mexico and the United States, focusing on electromobility, semiconductors, and global competitiveness." Ebrard noted that, of the four federal entities initially involved in this initiative, Sonora has made the most progress. Major companies, including Taiwan's Foxconn, have already identified Sonora as a location for high-tech projects.

Lithium in Mexico

No timeline has been established for the start of lithium production, following the government’s decision to nationalize the metal and suspend projects, such as the Sonora Lithium project. However, strategic plans are being formulated. Víctor Rodríguez, CEO, PEMEX, announced that lithium-related projects will be developed in collaboration with CFE, employing a model that integrates social and private collaborations.

Óscar Ocampo, Energy and Environment Coordinator, IMCO, identifies a key obstacle to the growth of Mexico's lithium industry: the limited public funding dedicated to its development and the minimal involvement of the private sector in the country's lithium supply chain. Despite these challenges, President Claudia Sheinbaum remains optimistic, expressing confidence that lithium production will begin under her administration, driving progress in the national economy.

While the country faces significant challenges in advancing the lithium industry, Sheinbaum is confident that lithium production will commence during her administration. "I believe the Sonora Plan is one of the most visionary projects, positioning Sonora at the forefront of national development. First, it focuses on decarbonizing the economy by enhancing solar energy. Second, it proposes an industrial policy linked to electromobility," she explained. “We will make Mexico a scientific and innovation powerhouse. By prioritizing local technological development and investing in research, Mexico has the opportunity to effectively harness its rich lithium resources.”