Introduction to the Sustainable Mining Standard (TSM)
Canadian mining companies operating in Mexico have committed to adopting the Sustainable Mining Standard (TSM), a framework developed by the Mining Association of Canada. The TSM aims to ensure sustainable mining practices through verifiable standards that enhance transparency, trust, and continuous improvement in the sector.
About the Commitment
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CanCham) announced on Monday that all Canadian capital-affiliated mining companies under its Mining Executive Committee have signed this commitment. The TSM promotes responsible practices in safety, environment, and community relations.
Key Areas of Evaluation
Participating companies must evaluate and publicly report their performance in areas such as tailings management, emissions, biodiversity, and indigenous engagement. External audits and common metrics are used to align mining activities with global sustainability and corporate responsibility principles.
Relevance of the Commitment
CanCham, representing over 300 Canadian and non-Canadian companies across various industries in Mexico, emphasized that this commitment complements strict adherence to Mexican regulations, further strengthening their social responsibility, environmental, and governance practices under a recognized international framework.
Support from Industry Leaders
Pierre Gratton, General Manager of the Mining Association of Canada, praised the Canadian mining sector operating in Mexico for their commitment to implementing TSM. He highlighted that TSM is a recognized system driving continuous improvement in mining across various social and environmental areas through performance measurement, independent auditing, and public reporting.
Implementation of TSM
The TSM provides tools and indicators for mining companies to measure, manage, and communicate their environmental and social performance. Key aspects include responsible water management.
Positive Impact of the Commitment
Cameron Mackay, Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, emphasized that this commitment is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a concrete step to ensure Canadian investment in the Mexican mining sector remains a positive force for communities, the environment, and long-term prosperity in Mexico.
Gradual Implementation and Alignment
The signing companies, legally established in Mexico and operating under national regulation across all mining stages—from exploration to production and closure—have committed to gradually implement TSM protocols.
This agreement aligns with the previously established bilateral license and cooperation agreement between the Mexican Mining Chamber (Camimex) and the Mining Association of Canada, enabling formal and progressive implementation in Mexico.
Addressing Joint Action in Responsible Mining
The agreement addresses Point 8 “Joint Action in Responsible Mining” of the Mexico-Canada 2025-2026 Action Plan. It responds to the consensus reached by Mexico’s President and Canada’s Prime Minister, requiring the mining industry to continue implementing community and environmental protection protocols in line with shared aspirations for a sustainable development framework.
Industry and Regional Development
Francisco Cervantes Díaz, President of the Coordinating Business Council (CCE), highlighted that this agreement meets the demand for responsible mining practices aligned with common principles beyond national borders, supporting Mexico’s economic development.
Respect for Regulatory Framework and Communities
CanCham’s commitment reflects its respect for Mexico’s regulatory framework and communities, as well as its belief that responsible mining is a powerful tool for sustainable development in Mexico and North America.
Strengthening Mining Sector Potential
Pedro Rivero, Camimex President, noted that Mexico and Canada share a strong mining tradition. Their combined knowledge and experience strengthen the sector’s potential, drive performance improvement, and affirm that responsible mining has common principles beyond borders.
Camimex’s TSM Adoption
Camimex joined the TSM on March 8, 2023, during the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Sustainable Mining Standard (TSM)? TSM is a framework developed by the Mining Association of Canada to ensure sustainable mining practices through verifiable standards that enhance transparency, trust, and continuous improvement in the sector.
- Which companies are committed to TSM? All Canadian capital-affiliated mining companies under the Mining Executive Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CanCham) have signed this commitment.
- What areas must these companies evaluate and report on? Participating companies must evaluate and publicly report their performance in areas such as tailings management, emissions, biodiversity, and indigenous engagement.
- How does TSM align with Mexican regulations? The commitment to TSM complements strict adherence to Mexican regulations, further strengthening social responsibility, environmental, and governance practices under a recognized international framework.
- What is the significance of this commitment for Mexico and Canada? This agreement reflects respect for Mexico’s regulatory framework and communities, supporting sustainable development in Mexico and North America through responsible mining practices.
