Mexico’s Mining Limits Threaten Access to Key Tech Minerals

Restrictions on new mining exploration permits are limiting technological development in Mexico and preventing the country from leveraging its potential in critical minerals, essential for energy and technological transitions.

"We have these resources, but we do not know exactly where they are, how much there is, or what quality they are. An intensive and well-planned exploration campaign is necessary, but it cannot be carried out at this time," says Rubén del Pozo, President, Association of Mining, Metallurgical, and Geological Engineers of Mexico.

Mexico possesses lithium and rare earth elements critical for batteries, electronics, and clean energy technologies. However, precise geological data is limited due to restrictions on initiating new exploration projects. Del Pozo tells Milenio that although some permits have been approved recently, these apply only to expansions of existing mines and not to new exploration sites, preventing comprehensive mapping of strategic resources.

Mexico is at a disadvantage compared with countries that have implemented extensive exploration campaigns to secure critical mineral supply chains. Restricting exploration slows technological innovation within the sector and limits Mexico's ability to position itself as a global supplier of strategic minerals, says del Pozo.

The extraction of critical minerals requires a more flexible regulatory framework and increasing the budget for exploration, which would allow Mexico to boost technological innovation and enhance economic development. Industry experts warn that without these measures, Mexico risks falling behind in the global supply chain for critical minerals.