Mining is essential in the transition to a green future

By the Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM)

This is a machine translation of the original press release issued in Spanish.

Mexico City, May 29, 2024. Mining is essential to be able to develop new technologies and the use of clean energy for the transition to a greener future, as well as to stop global warming and slow down climate change, said the mining sector of Mexico.

Within the framework of the “Challenges of Mexican Mining” forum, organized by the Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM) and with the participation of the Chamber of Mining of Mexico (CAMIMEX), the College of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico (CIMMGM), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CANCHAM) and WIM México, representatives of the affiliated mining sector highlighted that mining activity has been and continues to be fundamental for the economic and social development of our country.

The formal mining sector has made a great effort to promote sustainable mining, highlighting the various initiatives and programs that its companies have implemented to minimize environmental impact and promote harmonious development with the natural environment and local communities. These practices will be exemplified in the forum that will take place today and tomorrow.

Highlights of the Forum “Challenges of Mexican Mining”

● Panel on Decarbonization in the Mining Industry: This panel brings together leaders of mining companies who will discuss their strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner mining.

● Sustainable Water Management: A space dedicated to exploring how mining companies are efficiently managing water use, ensuring its availability for future generations and protecting local ecosystems.

● Socio-Environmental Mine Closure: In this space we discussed best practices for mine closure, ensuring that these areas are rehabilitated and can be used for other purposes beneficial to the community and the environment once their useful life has reached to its end.

● Inclusion of Women in the Mining Industry: This panel highlighted the progress and challenges in the inclusion of women in the mining sector, promoting diversity and gender equality as key factors for sustainable development.

“Mining is a natural and strategic ally to generate well-being in more than 690 communities in the country, in addition to providing an employment opportunity to more than 3 million families. Additionally, it provides essential inputs for the development of more than 70 productive sectors in Mexico,” said Karen Flores, director of the Mexican Mining Chamber.

The mining value chain not only generates employment and economic growth, but also creates welfare opportunities for mining communities, being an engine of development in regions where there are no other viable economic alternatives. According to the study “Social and Human Development Index with Life Cycles and Vulnerable Groups for Mining Communities in Mexico” by UNAM, 91% of the 696 mining communities affiliated with CAMIMEX have a medium and high level of social development.

During the forum sessions, the crucial role of our sector in the transition to a more sustainable future was highlighted. Minerals are essential resources to manufacture solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles.

“The development of public policies that promote responsible mining is crucial to ensure the sustainability and mining sovereignty of Mexico. Mexico has the potential and it is a responsibility to transform the country's natural resources into development opportunities in a responsible manner - the board stated - it is essential to allow companies to explore for the development of new projects and for mining to continue contributing to the national economy"

In this context, it became clear that conceiving a world without mining is not possible. Therefore, it is vital that we work together, both the government, affiliated companies and organizations in the sector, to continue implementing sustainable and responsible practices with the environment and communities.

We miners feel great pride in Mexican mining as it is world class, we have the talent, technology and best practices to compete internationally,” said Raúl García Reimbert, president of the College of Mining Engineers. "To take care of this talent and the jobs that responsible mining generates for the professionals of the College, they must base the regulations, laws and possible reforms on supported technical studies and not on ignorance of our activity."

During the discussions, the essential role of mining in the energy transition was also highlighted. “There is no stronger ally for the energy transition than mining,” said Armando Ortega, president of the Mining Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico. He commented that it is very important to observe what other countries do to promote exploration from the private initiative for the development of strategic minerals.

"Mining in Mexico is an example of how an industry can be innovative, competitive and responsible, while promoting local and national development. Proof of this is that mining seeks to provide clean energy to its operations and contribute to the energy supply at the national level, so it is imperative that optimal conditions are generated so that mining operations are more competitive," mentioned Luis Humberto Vázquez, president of the National Board of Directors of the Association of Mining, Metallurgical and Geological Engineers of Mexico.

In one of the panels it was mentioned that competitiveness in Mexico has fallen 37 positions as an attractive country for mining investments in the world, according to the results of the survey carried out by the Fraser Institute, however it continues to register great geological-mining potential.

To ensure the future of responsible and conscious mining that operates in Mexico, it is essential to promote public policies that encourage sustainable and responsible practices, collaborating closely with the government and communities to maintain mining as a pillar of the social and economic development of our country. Mexico is proudly pro-mining.