Overview of the Mining Sector’s Recovery
In Q3 2025, high metal and mineral prices enabled companies to invest in processing equipment with greater capacity for production across various mines. The central north region of the country led the mining recovery with a 7.5% trimester growth, the highest level nationwide, according to Banco de México’s (Banxico) Regional Economies Report.
Key Players and Their Impact
The central north region comprises Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Colima, Durango, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas. Business leaders in this area mentioned that elevated metal and mineral prices allowed them to invest in advanced processing equipment, enhancing production in diverse mines.
Silver Mining Advancements
In the case of silver, improved profitability enabled working with lower mineral laws, extending the lifespan of several deposits. There have been advances in new gold exploration projects in Durango, the start of drilling in Zacatecas to expand reserves, and maintenance work in San Luis Potosí aimed at ensuring operational continuity. The demand for contractors and auxiliary services increased in Zacatecas.
Sector’s Recovery and Growth
After a descending trajectory starting mid-2023, the national mining sector grew by 2.4% trimester, though activity remained low. The non-oil mining sector led the dynamic recovery, positively contributing to the aggregate sectoral recovery, while oil and gas extraction, though showing some growth, remained at reduced levels.
Northern Mining Sector Performance
The northern region, including northeast and Baja California, saw companies obtaining new contracts for mineral supply to the US market, such as construction materials like limestone and sand, as well as barite for oil refining. This commercial flow was facilitated by barite’s strategic tariff classification and the establishment of US branches allowing direct exports with minimal or reduced tariffs.
Central Region Mining Progress
The central region, encompassing Mexico City, State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Morelos, Puebla, Querétaro, and Tlaxcala, experienced a 3.0% trimester advance in mining due to growing infrastructure digital demand and slight increases in sand and gravel needs for new data center construction, especially in Querétaro.
Regulatory Challenges
Rubén Del Pozo Mendoza, president of the Association of Mining, Metallurgical and Geological Engineers of Mexico (AIMMGM), highlighted that regulatory uncertainty hinders investments. He warned, “If someone is currently conducting exploration and then the rules of the game change, it does not encourage the development of new projects.”
Legal Frameworks in Emerging Regions
Especially in emerging regions like the northwest, stable legal frameworks are crucial for vital lithium and copper deposits needed for the energy transition. These frameworks should be crafted by experts, as promoting lithium while banning open-pit mining indicates a lack of understanding.
Stalled Projects in Traditional Mining Hearts
In traditional mining centers like Zacatecas or Durango, projects are technically, economically, and environmentally justified but remain stalled due to federal permits.
Key Questions and Answers
- What region led the mining recovery in Q3 2025? The central north region of the country led the mining recovery with a 7.5% trimester growth.
- How did high metal and mineral prices impact mining companies? These prices allowed companies to invest in advanced processing equipment, enhancing production across various mines.
- What advancements were made in silver mining? Improved profitability enabled working with lower mineral laws, extending the lifespan of several deposits and advancing new gold exploration projects.
- How did the northern mining sector perform? Companies in the northeast and Baja California obtained new contracts for mineral supply to the US market, facilitated by barite’s strategic tariff classification and direct export capabilities.
- What challenges does the mining sector face? Regulatory uncertainty hinders investments, particularly in emerging regions requiring stable legal frameworks.
