Mexico has mining potential across 70% of its territory, thanks to a wide variety of geological formations suitable for developing mining projects, noted Flor de María Harp, director of the Mexican Geological Service (SGM).
Mexico’s high mining potential is key in the face of geopolitical competition to secure critical minerals. Its geological wealth positions it as a strategic partner for North America in supplying strategic supply chains such as electromobility and semiconductors, thereby strengthening regional security.
Territorial mining potential refers to the proven geological probability of harboring economically viable mineral deposits. It measures the richness of the subsoil through prospecting, geophysical mapping, and estimated reserves, determining its capacity to attract investment and sustain industrial extraction.
This implies the feasibility of developing mining projects due to favorable geological structure and evolution.
Mineral deposits are located underground, which requires the application of new techniques and methodologies to obtain accurate data. This innovation reduces exploration risk and stimulates investment in the sector.
Mining Potential
North America is driving the consolidation of regional value chains in key sectors such as electromobility, semiconductors, and advanced energy. This trend is a response to the intense global competition launched by developed economies in the United States, Europe, and Asia to secure critical minerals and relocalize strategic industries.
In this context, the Mexican mining sector faces the top priority in 2026 of ensuring greater regulatory certainty and streamlining the processing of environmental permits. Establishing this regulatory framework is essential to unlock the country’s productive capacity, meet regional demand, and strengthen national economic autonomy.
Capitalizing on this global situation will allow Mexico to consolidate its geopolitical relevance. Through socially and environmentally responsible mining development, the country will be able to translate its geological potential into greater competitiveness, investment, and well-being.
Mining Concessions
Mexico and the United States published the Action Plan on Critical Minerals to strengthen bilateral cooperation in supply chains and boost regional competitiveness in strategic inputs.
At the same time, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the revocation of 1,126 mining concessions covering 889,512 hectares—including 249,108 hectares in Protected Natural Areas—due to failure to pay fees and noncompliance with activity reporting requirements. The measure aims to prevent mining in protected areas and reaffirm state ownership of strategic resources such as lithium.
Additionally, the government published the Institutional Program of the Mining Development Trust Fund 2026–2030 in the Official Gazette. The program will prioritize financing and technological innovation to promote the sector’s sustainable development and competitiveness.