Mexico: New policies on the mining industry in the context of the 2024 Sinaloa Mining Congress

The 2024 Sinaloa Mining Congress serves as a key platform for discussing the future of Mexican mining.

The 2024 Sinaloa Mining Congress has served as a platform for Luis Humberto Vázquez San Miguel, president of the Association of Mining, Metallurgical, and Geological Engineers of Mexico, to address concerns affecting the Mexican mining sector. With the presence of influential figures like Alejandro Higuera Osuna, Undersecretary of the Meetings Industry at the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of Sinaloa, and Ignacio Cano Corona, president of the AIMMGM Sinaloa District, the congress has emerged as a pivotal forum for discussing the future of mining in Mexico within the current political landscape.

Proposals and decisions by the federal administration have stirred unease among industry professionals, raising alarms about potential consequences such as job losses and decreased tax revenue, which could reverberate throughout mining communities. 

With 696 communities across 212 municipalities directly benefiting from the industry, the implications are vast. However, Vázquez San Miguel not only voices critiques but also recognizes the authorities' willingness to engage in dialogue and emphasizes the importance of adhering to responsible and sustainable mining practices. He underscores how the modern mining industry has evolved to incorporate environmental stewardship into its operations, aligning with sustainable development goals that yield benefits for both society and the planet.

Throughout the congress, featuring a total of 25 conferences, critical themes including exploration, emerging technologies, energy conservation, and regulatory measures are addressed, showcasing mining as a cornerstone industry for the country's socio-economic progress. The participation of prominent figures, from Karen Flores, director of the Mexican Mining Chamber, to leaders of pivotal organizations such as Women in Mining Sinaloa, underscores the event's significance as a nexus for the sector.

This call for unity and the deepening of understanding regarding sustainability endeavors present an opportunity to reshape the discourse surrounding mining in Mexico. Confronted with challenges stemming from governmental policies, the industry aims to demonstrate that responsible mining practices can drive development while upholding environmental protection and social well-being.