EVALUACIÓN DEL MARCO DE POLÍTICAS MINERAS

The report evaluates Mexico's mining policy framework, identifying strengths in geological data and regulatory development, while highlighting critical weaknesses in national planning, indigenous consultation, and mine closure regulations. It notes a lack of a cohesive national mining policy and significant gaps in the formalization and regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). The assessment recommends modernizing laws, improving the distribution of financial benefits to local communities, and establishing robust financial guarantees for mine closures.

• Mexico lacks a formal national mining policy and strategic planning to guide the sector's governance toward national objectives, with the 2019-2024 National Development Plan making no mention of the national mining industry.
• The current mining law, dating from 1992, is outdated and does not reflect international best practices regarding social impacts, mine closures, or artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
• Financial benefits from mining are not reaching local communities or mining authorities; 85% of special, additional, and extraordinary rights are allocated to the Secretariats of Public Education and Health rather than mining regions.
• Indigenous consultation processes are insufficient and often reactive, as there is no specific legislation regulating prior consultation, leaving indigenous rights unprotected and administrative decisions vulnerable to legal challenges.
• Environmental regulation is comprehensive, but enforcement is deficient due to budget cuts and a lack of specialized personnel at PROFEPA, which relies heavily on company-provided reports rather than independent verification.
• Mexico lacks a specific regulatory framework and financial guarantees for mine closures, resulting in inadequate closure plans and a growing number of abandoned mines and environmental liabilities.
• Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is largely neglected, with minimal data, almost no regulation, and severe environmental and health impacts, particularly regarding mercury emissions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro.
• The government has implemented a de facto moratorium on new mining concessions since 2019, contributing to legal and political insecurity for investors.
• Mexico possesses a highly advanced geological information system through the Servicio Geológico Mexicano (SGM), providing accessible public data and detailed mapping across the national territory.

APA

Segura, P. G., Robledo, E., Ruete, M., & Grossi, A. V. (2022). EVALUACIÓN DEL MARCO DE POLÍTICAS MINERAS. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-11/mexico-mining-policy-framework-assessment-es.pdf

Chicago

Segura, Paloma García, Epitacio Robledo, Marina Ruete, and Alejandro Vio Grossi. EVALUACIÓN DEL MARCO DE POLÍTICAS MINERAS. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2022. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-11/mexico-mining-policy-framework-assessment-es.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Segura |first1=Paloma García |last2=Robledo |first2=Epitacio |last3=Ruete |first3=Marina |last4=Grossi |first4=Alejandro Vio |title=EVALUACIÓN DEL MARCO DE POLÍTICAS MINERAS |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=April 2022 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-11/mexico-mining-policy-framework-assessment-es.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{segura2022evaluacin, author = {Segura, Paloma García and Robledo, Epitacio and Ruete, Marina and Grossi, Alejandro Vio}, title = {{EVALUACIÓN DEL MARCO DE POLÍTICAS MINERAS}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2022}, month = apr, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-11/mexico-mining-policy-framework-assessment-es.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }