Mexico Ministry of Economy accused of favoring mining companies

Dolores Rojas Rubio, a member of the Cambiémosla Ya collective, has accused Mexico’s Ministry of Economy of prioritizing the interests of mining companies over legal compliance. Rojas Rubio claims that the ministry, led by Marcelo Ebrard, has failed to issue the necessary regulations for the 2023 Mining Law, despite a legal requirement to do so within 180 days.

The 2023 reform was intended to strengthen environmental protections and secure the rights of indigenous communities regarding mining projects on their territories. However, activists allege the ministry is instead focusing on streamlining permits and facilitating new projects for the sector. Rojas Rubio specifically criticized mining official Fernando Aboitiz for maintaining close ties with industry representatives while ignoring requests for dialogue from social organizations and local communities.