Esteban Villegas Villarreal Announces Reactivation of the Mine
The governor of Durango, Esteban Villegas Villarreal, announced the reactivation of the Santa María del Oro mine, located in northern Durango, which will revitalize the regional economy as part of the Economic Recovery Plan for 2025.
Project Details and Timeline
- Start Date: Operations are expected to commence in January or February 2026.
- Initial Workforce: The mine will initially employ 100 local workers, with plans to expand to 300 positions in the medium term.
- Bernardo Benjamín Ysita del Hoyo, Minera Atocha’s General Director: He confirmed that all necessary permits have been obtained and expressed optimism about the project’s growth, stating, “Within three years, we will be at another level.”
Mine Reactivation and Technology
The reactivation will begin with the revival of tailings (leftover material from production processes), including a cyanide plant for metal processing with a daily capacity of 1,000 tonnes. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a flotation plant.
Ysita del Hoyo explained that, although the mine was significant in the 1930s, technology for optimal mineral recovery was lacking. As a result, some tailings contained substantial gold that will now be recovered.
The group aims to recuperate all mines in the municipality to restart operations in the medium term, transforming the area back into “one of the most important mining zones in the entire country,” which previously produced gold, silver, and copper.
Furthermore, the project will address the environmental impact left by previous mining operations through adherence to new regulations.
Investment Strategy and Support
Ysita del Hoyo, also the president of Durango’s Private Business Sector, emphasized the importance of investing during challenging economic times rather than when conditions are favorable.
“When everything is going well, markets can fall, and businesses can become unprofitable. In contrast, investing during tough times ensures preparedness when the market recovers.”
Context and Relevance
The Santa María del Oro mine reactivation is a crucial step in Durango’s Economic Recovery Plan for 2025, led by Governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal. Despite the year-end complexity in initiating investments, this mining group decided to pursue this strategic project, which Villegas Villarreal described as “one of the best ways to revitalize the regional economy.”
The state government will actively support the company in obtaining any required federal permits, ensuring a smooth transition into this significant mining venture.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who announced the mine’s reactivation? Governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal of Durango.
- When will the mine start operations? Operations are expected to commence in January or February 2026.
- How many workers will the mine initially employ? The mine will initially hire 100 local workers, with plans to expand to 300 positions.
- What technologies will be implemented in the mine’s reactivation? The project includes a cyanide plant for metal processing with a daily capacity of 1,000 tonnes and plans to construct a flotation plant.
- Why is this project significant for Durango’s economy? The Santa María del Oro mine reactivation is a key component of Durango’s Economic Recovery Plan for 2025, aiming to revitalize the regional economy.
