Zacatecas Consolidates Position as National Mining Leader

According to the latest numbers published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Zacatecas remains the largest Mexican producer of silver, lead and zinc, and the second largest in gold and copper production. The entity has a monthly average silver production of 194.19 tons.

David Monreal Ávila, the Governor of Zacatecas, has said he is convinced about the benefits of the mining sector, as long as coordination and harmony between the government and the industry are maintained. Monreal said he sees mining as the main driving industry of the state’s development and well-being.  

Compared with the same period in 2021, August 2022’s mining production in Zacatecas showed a volume increase of 2.4 percent in gold, 4.6 percent in silver, 0.7 percent in lead, 1.9 percent in copper and 1.2 percent in zinc. 

Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy has promoted a program to boost the local supply chain and increase the sector’s economic gains. By having more local quality suppliers, mining companies could hire them and cause a virtuous circle generating jobs and economic movement in the state.

Currently, Zacatecas hosts 35.8 percent of the national silver production, as well as 18.7 percent of gold, 62.8 percent of lead, 47.9 percent of zinc and 9.2 percent of copper. The state also has Mexico’s largest gold mine: Peñasquito, property of Newmont.

On May 5, 2022, the government of Zacatecas, the Zacatecas Mining Cluster and Minera Peñasquito, a Newmont subsidiary, signed a collaboration agreement to boost the potential of local suppliers. The government considered this agreement of great importance since mining represents over 11 percent of the state’s GDP and has a gross production equivalent to other industries’ total.

Abel Martínez, Director General, Newmont Mexico, said this agreement was key to boosting the capabilities of local suppliers since it will allow them to obtain training on the company’s requirements.

In addition, Zacatecas is looking to strengthen commercial ties with European countries like Sweden to attract new investments to the entity. Currently, Zacatecas hosts two Swedish companies: Epiroc, dedicated to mining equipment and construction, and Sandvick Group, also focused on the mining sector by offering products and solutions regarding digitalization and innovation. The goal is to explore more opportunities to enhance the commercial relationship with Zacatecas.