Sonora Remains Mining Leader in 2023

In 2023, Sonora fortified its position as a mining leader despite the uncertainty of the Mining Law and the suspension of concessions. Next year, the state is expected to start more exploration projects, which will bring an investment of US$1.5 billion. 
  
Leonardo Padilla, Head, Directorate General of Mining of the Government of Sonora, announced that the state is the country's leading mining producer, representing 31.4% of Mexico’s production, Sonora is followed by Zacatecas with 26.1%, Durango with 11%, Chihuahua with 10.2% and Guerrero with 5.1%. Mexico is among the Top 10 world producers of 16 minerals, and Sonora is the leader in seven: silver, wollastonite, molybdenum, zinc, gold, copper, and barite. 

Sonora also has the highest number of active projects, with 23 in operation, followed by Durango with 14, Zacatecas with 12, Chihuahua with 11, and Guerrero with four. "It is also the leader in exploration, with 177 projects under development, of which 28 are at a very advanced stage. One step away from becoming an active project, that gives an interesting outlook for 2024,” says Padilla. These projects are expected to involve a total investment of US$1.5 billion. 

In Mexico, 57% of mining investment comes from Mexican companies, 21% from Canadian capital, 14% from US capital, and the remaining 8% from countries such as China and India.  
Despite the numerous opportunities, the state faces some challenges, such as the Mining Law. "In the first instance, the reform could seem very aggressive, but because the rules of operation and the guidelines of how the reform was going to operate were missing. Now we have a clearer picture, it is not a reform that worries because the mining in the country complies with those rules and more," says Padilla.

Luis Núñez Noriega, President, National Association of Mining Clusters of Mexico, also says that the national outlook is not encouraging but that Sonora has always been a mining leader and will continue to be so.