Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced the recovery of 1,126 mining concessions, encompassing 889,512 hectares, during her administration. This decisive action ensures that 713 of those concessions—covering 249,108 hectares—lie within Protected Natural Areas and will remain free from mining activity.
Protecting Resources and Reclaiming National Assets
The Mexican government is strengthening environmental safeguards and asserting control over its mineral wealth.
- A total of 1,126 mining concessions have been recovered.
- 713 concessions are located within Protected Natural Areas, preventing exploitation.
- Strategic minerals, including lithium, will be exclusively exploited by the State.
- Recoveries are largely due to non-payment of fees or failure to report.
- Sonora, Durango, Coahuila, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Chihuahua saw the largest areas recovered.
The president emphasized that this measure bolsters environmental protection and confirms that mineral resources are the rightful property of the nation. She specifically stated that the exploitation of strategic minerals, such as lithium, will be reserved for the State, aligning with constitutional provisions. What does this mean for Mexico’s mineral rights? The government is asserting greater control over its natural resources, prioritizing national interests and environmental preservation.
Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard clarified that the priority lies in reclaiming concessions lacking exploration activity or held for speculative purposes. This targeted approach aims to unlock potential for responsible resource management.
Fernando José Aboitiz Saro explained that the concessions were returned due to non-payment of fees or a failure to properly report activities. The states most impacted by these recoveries include Sonora, Durango, Coahuila, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Chihuahua.
Did you know? The recovered concessions represent a significant step towards safeguarding Mexico’s biodiversity and ensuring sustainable resource management for future generations.
This move signals a broader shift in Mexico’s resource policy, prioritizing national control and environmental sustainability over private exploitation. The government’s actions reflect a commitment to responsible stewardship of the nation’s valuable mineral wealth.
