Confronted with regulatory and political challenges, AIMMGM urges the mining sector to strengthen resilience and refine communication strategies. The objective is to adeptly convey the essential environmentally and socially responsible practices inherent to mining operations. The association emphasizes the need for an open-door policy among all mining operators.
Humberto Vázquez, President, AIMMGM, reported that the mining sector currently contributes 2.4% of the national GDP and 8.6% of the industrial GDP. He also mentioned that the sector employs over 417,380 people directly, of which 72,000 are women, a figure considered historic. The performance of the mining sector has led it to register an investment of over US$5.2 billion in 2022, positioning Mexico as the largest silver producer in the world and among the Top 10 in minerals like lead, copper and fluorite.
Vázquez highlights the importance of open communication channels with authorities to inform what initiatives the sector is taking to tackle issues like climate change and sustainable development. Humberto stressed that the mining sector is the sector that has the most extensive reforestation campaign, while being a pioneer in implementing the use of clean energy like solar and wind power generation, initiatives that have been halted by the reforms to the Energy Law.
Vázquez acknowledges that the mining sector lacks communication strategies, not only with policymakers but also with the general public, including academia. He notes that this shortfall in communication has resulted in misinformation. Vázquez underscores the sector’s eagerness to participate in constructive dialogue and accept criticism, as long as it is rooted in verifiable facts.
Doris Vega, Director of Communication and Institutional Relations, Compañía Minera Cuzcatlán, said that initiatives like mundominero.org, promote a different perspective of what responsible mining means for all sectors of society. She also mentioned the sector’s willingness to establish an open-door policy, in which companies welcome visitors to see by themselves responsible practices that are widespread among mining companies in the country.
Both participants acknowledged the importance of building strong relationships in the mining sector. To foster these relationships, AIMMGM launched the XXXV edition of the International Mining Convention in Acapulco, Guerrero, which will take place on Oct. 23-27, 2023, and is expected to receive over 10,000 participants and 380 companies.
According to organizers, the event will host Gerrero’s Governor Evelyn Salgado. Furthermore, AIMMGM confirmed the participation of people from the governments of Chihuahua, Zacatecas and Sonora; ambassadors of leading mining countries like Canada, Austria, New Zealand and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as mining representation from leading countries in the industry like the US, Peru, Chile, Australia, Colombia, China, New Zealand, India and Finland.
The event pledges to showcase cutting-edge technologies applied in the mining sector, featuring industry panels and offering students opportunities to engage and deepen their understanding of the mining industry. Simultaneously, organizers host a concurrent event aimed at the public, providing insights into the workings of the mining sector and illustrating its presence in people’s daily lives.