Background on Protected Natural Areas (ANP) in Mexico
Protected Natural Areas (ANP) in Mexico are designated terrestrial or marine zones with significant biodiversity, established by the federal government to conserve ecosystems, species, and natural resources. These areas are regulated through official management and protection plans to ensure their conservation.
Review of Mining Concessions in ANP
In April 2025, Mexico’s Secretariat of Economia completed a review of mining concessions within ANP, identifying 1,043 out of 2,007 concessions that failed to meet their obligations. These obligations included non-payment of mining rights for two consecutive years, specifically in 2023 and 2024.
Recovery Program for Mining Concessions
In May, the Secretariat of Economia launched a surface recovery program for mining concessions occupying at least 70% of an ANP with unmet obligations. By July 31, 2025, the department initiated cancellation procedures for 805 concessions covering over 216,000 hectares deemed recoverable.
Objective and Impact
The Secretariat of Economia aims to recover the national territory’s surface within ANP and potentially increase mining right revenue through these actions. The department seeks to prevent speculation and underutilization of the nation’s territory with mineral potential.
Current Mining Concessions in Mexico
As of July 31, 2025, Mexico has 22,247 active mining concessions covering 10.20 million hectares, or 5.2% of the national territory. This represents a recovery of 450,764 hectares through the cancellation of 344 concessions with unmet obligations towards the Mexican state.
Legal Framework
Article 6 of Mexico’s Mining Law stipulates that mining activities should contribute to equitable public wealth distribution, ensure environmental protection, and promote balanced and sustainable national development.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are Protected Natural Areas (ANP) in Mexico? ANP are designated zones with significant biodiversity, regulated by the federal government to conserve ecosystems, species, and natural resources.
- Why are mining concessions being canceled? The Secretariat of Economia is canceling 805 mining concessions for failing to meet obligations, such as non-payment of mining rights for two consecutive years.
- What is the goal of this initiative? The aim is to recover the national territory’s surface within ANP and potentially increase mining right revenue.
- How many active mining concessions are there in Mexico? As of July 31, 2025, there are 22,247 active mining concessions covering 10.20 million hectares.
- What does Mexico’s Mining Law state about mining activities? Article 6 of the Mining Law requires that mining activities contribute to equitable public wealth distribution, ensure environmental protection, and promote balanced and sustainable national development.
