Evaluación del Marco de Políticas Mineras: México

This report evaluates Mexico's readiness and capacity to implement the Mining Policy Framework (MPM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). Conducted between May and December 2021, the assessment identifies strengths in geological data and regulatory development, while highlighting critical weaknesses in national planning, legal updates, financial benefit distribution, and the management of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

• Mexico lacks a national mining policy and development plan, leaving the sector without a strategic vision in national planning. The National Development Plan 2019-2024 does not mention the national mining industry.
• The mining law is outdated, dating from 1992, and does not reflect international best practices regarding social impacts, mine closure, or artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
• Financial benefits from mining do not reach mining communities or the mining authority. The Mining Fund, which previously transferred income to mining municipalities, was dissolved by decree in November 2020.
• Consultation processes with communities and indigenous peoples are limited, reactive, and do not follow international standards. There is no specific legislation regulating indigenous consultation in Mexico.
• Environmental regulation is comprehensive, but enforcement is deficient due to budget cuts and lack of specialized personnel at PROFEPA. Budget reductions for SEMARNAT between 2018 and 2021 reached 28%.
• Mine closure management is inadequate, lacking a specific regulatory framework and financial guarantees to ensure the state can cover costs if a company fails to execute a closure plan.
• Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a neglected subsector with almost no regulation, scarce data, and severe environmental and health impacts, particularly regarding mercury use.
• Mexico is a major exporter of mercury, often traded informally, which serves as an input for informal ASM in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador.
• The country possesses a highly advanced geological information system through the Servicio Geológico Mexicano (SGM), providing accessible data across the national territory.
• There is significant legal and political insecurity for investors, characterized by a de facto moratorium on new mining concessions since 2019 and inconsistencies in permit processing.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). Evaluación del Marco de Políticas Mineras: México. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-11/mexico-mining-policy-framework-assessment-es.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Evaluación del Marco de Políticas Mineras: México. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2022-11/mexico-mining-policy-framework-assessment-es.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Evaluación del Marco de Políticas Mineras: México |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{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndevaluacin, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Evaluación del Marco de Políticas Mineras: México}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, 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} }