ESG and Economic Impact Lead CAMIMEX 2025 Sustainability Report

The Cámara Minera de México (CAMIMEX) has unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report, revealing significant progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, alongside a substantial economic contribution from the mining sector in 2024. The report, a focal point of the recent XXXVI Mining Convention in Acapulco, positions Mexican mining as a pivotal player in the global energy transition while detailing its local impacts. Presented by CAMIMEX President Pedro Rivero, the document underscores a strategic shift towards a more responsible and sustainable industry model, driven by investments in water management, clean energy, community programmes, and biodiversity.

The economic figures within the report are particularly striking. The mining sector generated over 416,000 direct jobs and an additional 2.6 million indirect positions, offering wages 28% higher than the national average. It contributed 8.7% of Mexico’s industrial GDP, produced over MX$259 billion in economic output, and delivered MX$45 billion in fiscal contributions. Beyond economics, the industry demonstrated a strong safety record, with an accident rate reported to be 43% lower than the national average.

A Dual Focus on Environmental and Social Stewardship

The report details comprehensive environmental initiatives, with mining companies investing MX$8 billion in this area during 2024. A key achievement was the recycling of 71% of the water used in operations, supported by 100 treatment plants. In adherence to national water rights agreements, the sector returned more than 30 million cubic metres of water to the environment. On the energy front, 41 mining sites now integrate renewable energy sources, with a sector-wide target of reaching 44% clean energy consumption by 2030. Biodiversity efforts included the restoration of nearly 800 hectares of land and ongoing conservation programmes for species such as the Mexican grey wolf.

Social impact received equal emphasis. Mining companies invested MX$1.9 billion in community development programmes, benefiting more than 650,000 people. This funding supported over 8,000 scholarships, assistance for 800 schools, and 58,000 hours of training in areas including STEM education and gender equity. Healthcare initiatives delivered 114,000 medical consultations and maintained 50 operational clinics. To strengthen local economies, the sector supported 5,500 suppliers and launched 100 new productive projects.

Navigating Challenges and Positioning for a Global Role

The report and its presentation acknowledged ongoing regulatory and permitting challenges within Mexico. However, it highlighted constructive dialogue with the government aimed at stabilising the investment climate. According to insights from a leading media house covering the convention, officials announced plans to streamline and accelerate mining permit approvals beginning in 2026, with three new permits already granted.

This regulatory evolution is viewed as critical for Mexico to capitalise on its strategic position in the global supply chain for critical minerals. The report emphasised that Mexico produces 23 minerals of global importance, nine of which are classified as regionally critical, including copper, silicon, and silver — materials essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure. The industry’s narrative links its domestic ESG progress with its international role in supporting the broader global energy transition.

The Path Forward for Sustainable Mining

The CAMIMEX 2025 Sustainability Report presents an image of an industry in transformation. It moves beyond traditional production metrics to define its value through the dual lenses of local socio-economic development and global environmental responsibility. By quantifying investments in water stewardship, clean energy, community development, and conservation, the sector seeks to demonstrate that responsible resource extraction is not only possible but is actively being implemented.

As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, the report suggests that Mexico’s mining future will be assessed not merely by the volume of its output, but by the integrity of its operations and the fairness of its benefits. The documented ESG achievements, combined with anticipated regulatory reforms, are positioned as foundational steps towards securing Mexico’s role as a competitive and conscientious leader in the international mining landscape.