According to the Mexican Mining Chamber (Camimex), 60% of the value of national mining-metallurgical production comes from open-pit mines.

The Mexican Mining Chamber (Camimex) warned that if the Congress of the Union bans open-pit mining, this industry will have “devastating consequences.”

In a press release, Camimex highlighted the “serious risk” that exists due to the approval by the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Constitutional Reform Initiative that seeks to prohibit open-pit mining.

“If approved by both chambers, it will have devastating consequences for Mexico's development and economic stability. This action would limit our country's ability to transform its natural resources into development opportunities and promote the transition to clean energy, raising costs and affecting competitiveness,” he argued.

Mexican minerals are essential in more than 70 industries, such as electromobility, automotive, steel, construction, chemical, medical, among others.

According to Camimex, 60% of the value of national mining-metallurgical production comes from open-pit mines.

According to an analysis by the Chamber, if the Reform continues in its current form, “over time” there is a risk of:

• Losing more than 1 million formal jobs.
• Impact on the development indices of more than 690 mining (rural) communities, which are well above the national average.
• Commit more than 30,000 million pesos in various fiscal contributions to the public treasury.
• Generate a possible economic contraction of 250,000 million pesos annually (-1% of the national GDP)
• Eliminate Mexico's status as a mineral producer, turning it into an importer. These imports would grow by 132%, causing a trade deficit of 93 billion pesos.
• Restrict Mexico's role as a producer of 9 minerals critical to the North American region within the framework of the energy transition. The US and Canada allow and regulate open-pit mining.
• Discourage formal mining and allow informal mining operations to continue, which lack safety and environmental standards.

“Open-pit mining should not be banned, but rather encouraged to consolidate Mexico’s position as a producer of essential minerals. It is a serious activity that is practiced throughout the world, and operating it responsibly and safely is the duty of all stakeholders. Responsible industry should not be penalized, nor should the country’s competitiveness be limited,” said Camimex.

The Chamber reiterated its permanent willingness to participate in a constructive dialogue with the Federal Executive, all authorities and interested parties, to find solutions that contribute to fair environmental, social and economic development.