Zacatecas Consolidates Its Mining Leadership

Zacatecas, as the bastion of Mexico’s mining and metallurgical industry, continues to solidify its position as the nation’s leading producer of gold, silver, lead, and zinc. According to the Mining and Metallurgical Industry Statistics (EIMM) published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) in April 2025, the state reaffirmed its dominance in the sector.

Guerrero emerged as a bright spot in gold production, achieving an 11.3% increase to 1,566 kilograms, while Chihuahua, alongside Guerrero, was the only state with a silver production increase of 1.3%. However, both states faced declines in gold (1.6%) and zinc (9.2%) output.

The mining sector faces significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions, unclear national regulations (such as water use restrictions, open-pit mining bans, and stalled negotiations with ejido landowners), which have constrained investment plans. Rising security risks and operational costs further negatively impacted mining operations nationwide. The Bank of Mexico’s (Banxico) Regional Economies Report for Q1 2025 highlighted these threats to industry stability.

Rubén del Pozo, President of the Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM), stated: “Exploration is on hold as we await the finalization of secondary laws under the Mining Law to proceed with greater certainty. We must create credible conditions to retain investment in Mexico rather than see it diverted elsewhere.”

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