Sustainability and Dialogue in Mining: The AOSENUMA Vision

Q: What are the most significant challenges facing the mining industry today?

A:  Today, the mining industry faces significant challenges in risk management and stakeholder communication.

Mining companies today are increasingly aware of the importance of identifying and managing risks within their operations—especially those involving third parties. These risks often stem from a complex web of stakeholders, including environmental organizations, local communities, community leaders, and government officials. Effectively recognizing and addressing these dynamics is now essential to achieving operational continuity.

In particular, engaging with diverse communities—such as Indigenous groups with deep ties to their territory—requires more than standard outreach. It demands respectful, nuanced communication and a clear demonstration that responsible mining is not only possible, but necessary, contributing to human advancement while respecting environmental stewardship.

Within the industry, there are two main levels of mining: informal mining, which is not represented by industry associations or corporate social responsibility groups, and formal mining, which adheres to high-level policies and best practices set by organizations like the ICMM internationally or CAMIMEX in Mexico. This distinction also reflects the contrast between small-scale operations—often informal and with limited oversight—and large-scale mining, which is typically formalized, and more engaged in structured social and environmental practices.

In this context, the role of responsible mining becomes even more critical. Responsible mining seeks to positively impact the world and nature, understanding that effective communication is key to project success

Q: What strategies have proven effective in building trust with communities surrounding mining projects?

A: Over the years, we've moved from informal, one-off agreements toward processes that are inclusive, transparent, and structured. Since Mexico began applying ILO Convention 169 in 2014, we’ve helped our clients embrace Indigenous consultation not just as a legal obligation, but as a strategic and ethical opportunity to build long-term relationships.

We facilitate open dialogues where communities, always in a public, transparent, and organized manner, can express their concerns, aspirations, and expectations. Importantly, we encourage clients to apply similar consultation models with non-Indigenous communities. When people understand the project's scope, timeline, and benefits—and have a say in how it’s implemented—trust follows. These practices help differentiate responsible mining from informal operations.

Our methodology starts with what we note in our direct work with the communities but also draws on global experience. We’ve adapted elements from Canada’s robust Indigenous engagement models to fit the Mexican context, always with the goal of legitimacy and mutual respect.

Q: How can the mining industry contribute to the government's development goals?

A: The new government's discourse, emphasizing social aspects like a just energy transition, highlights the need for growth while protecting vulnerable populations. Mining, operating historically in remote and underserved areas, deeply understands what vulnerable areas mean.

Major mining projects are tipically far from urban centers, essential services, and transportation. They become central to their regions once they start being developed. Mining can assist the government in channeling benefits to these vulnerable areas by transforming them into centers of economic prosperity. Mines generate employment, stimulate local economies, create supplier networks, and lead to infrastructure improvements like roads, power lines, and water treatment plants, while also supporting environmental conservation.

Seeing mining as a development ally aligns perfectly with the government's vision of creating development poles for well-being. Mining's experience in investing heavily in resource-rich but infrastructure-poor areas can serve as a valuable case study. Unlike factories, which prioritize established infrastructure, mining drives development in isolated regions due to the area’s mineral abundance, not considering infrastructure first. Mines can catalyze development in otherwise neglected areas, such as Chihuahua, Zacatecas, Sonora, and Oaxaca, leveraging private investment for regional growth.

Q: What differentiates AOSENUMA from other firms in the market?

A: At AOSENUMA, we are all passionate about our work. Our difference is in how we work—and where. AOSENUMA is not a consultancy that writes reports from an office building. We go where our clients go: remote communities, difficult terrains, places where connectivity and security are not guaranteed. This is because we are driven by the knowledge that our work truly transforms lives by fostering better relationships between our clients and their surrounding communities and environments. We witness positive change in people's lives firsthand. This daily experience and our shared passion are our main differentiators.

Our team—more than 110 people—do this because we believe in impact.

We also bring breadth. With more than 14 years of experience across mining, energy, infrastructure, and consumer sectors in Latin America and North America, we offer a unique blend of local insight and global perspective. This allows us to craft tailored, grounded strategies that work.

Q: How will AOSENUMA measure its success during 2025 and how will this translate into value for your clients?

A: Success for AOSENUMA in 2025 means helping our clients succeed sustainably. That means anticipating social risks, designing resilient strategies, and creating relationships that last beyond the life of a project.

We operate in a complex environment—politically, socially, and economically. But with complexity comes opportunity. Mexico remains an attractive destination for investment, provided companies are prepared to engage meaningfully with local realities.

We also expect to expand our international footprint. We’ve led Indigenous processess in Ecuador, Peru and the U.S., supported conflict resolution in Belize, and prepared sustainability reports in Colombia. Each experience enriches our ability to serve clients with nuance and depth.

 AOSENUMA is a firm that provides consulting in sustainability and social performance. The company integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects for businesses and projects. Its services include social due diligence, social impact evaluation, social management planning, consultation processes, environmental and social feasibility diagnostics, and ESG integration, following international best practices and integrating ESG principles.