What is the role of the Association in the mining industry?

The Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM) is a 74-year-old institution that brings together more than 3,800 professionals and technicians from the mining and metallurgical sector, distributed across 32 mining districts in the country. What is the importance of the mining industry in Mexico's economy?

As of December 2023, the mining sector provided direct employment to 416,875 people and generated 1.7 million indirect jobs. Additionally, salaries in the mining industry are 33% higher than the national average. According to the Social Security Institute, mining contributes to the well-being of 690 communities across 26 states in the country. Its impact is crucial for the development of 70 productive sectors in Mexico, making it an essential industry for the nation’s economic and social growth. How has the mining industry performed in the last year, and what are the expectations for the coming year?

According to our most recent data (2023), mining accounted for 2.75% of Mexico’s GDP and 8.63% of the industrial GDP. The mining and metallurgical industry invested US$4.9 billion and reached a total value of 261.61 billion pesos. However, there was a 17.6% decline compared to 2022, largely due to changes in mining legislation. The states with the highest mining activity in the country are Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, and Guerrero. Despite existing challenges, in 2023, the mining industry ranked as the seventh-largest source of foreign exchange, contributing US$19.64 billion, further solidifying its importance to the national economy. The outlook for the coming year will depend on factors such as regulatory stability and investment in the sector. What is Mexico's current political stance on mining and legal certainty in the sector?

Mining is a fundamental pillar for Mexico's economic recovery, but it requires a state policy that provides certainty. In recent years, the sector has faced significant regulatory changes, such as the restriction of lithium for exclusive state use in 2022 and the reform of the Mining Law in May 2023, which limits exploration and the development of new deposits. Additionally, in 2023, a proposal was introduced to ban open-pit mining. However, President Sheinbaum’s administration is currently reviewing it, as its approval in Congress could have serious consequences for production, employment, and tax revenue. We are confident that future reforms will promote a regulatory framework that encourages this essential economic activity, supporting Mexico’s development and its role in global progress. What are the Association's main goals moving forward?

Our priority is to continue training our affiliated technicians and professionals, promoting the adoption of workplace safety and health practices, as well as respect for and preservation of the environment. We also aim to strengthen the active participation of our members and expand our membership base. Through international conventions and national congresses, we will promote the sharing of advanced technology to optimize every stage of the mining process, from exploration to mineral transformation. We are firmly committed to environmental sustainability as an undeniable duty and to defending mining interests as a fundamental responsibility. Our actions will remain focused on achieving these essential objectives for the development of the sector. What should attendees expect from the 36th International Mining Convention in Acapulco?

The Mexican mining industry has shown remarkable adaptability in the face of challenges, thanks to the unity of those who make up this sector. In this spirit, Acapulco, Guerrero, is preparing to become the epicenter of mining innovation and development with the 36th International Mining Convention, taking place from November 19 to 22, 2025. This is Mexico’s most important mining event and the second most significant in Latin America. The convention will bring together key players from the global mining industry. We will host a cutting-edge expo where leading companies will showcase their latest technologies and innovative solutions. Additionally, a high-level academic program has been designed, featuring keynote conferences by international experts on crucial topics such as environmental sustainability and digital transformation. This event will also offer an excellent opportunity for networking and business development, with roundtable discussions and collaborative projects that will allow participants to build valuable connections and explore new investment opportunities.