Mexico probes organized‑crime links to Canadian mining firms

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico's Cabinet of Security is investigating two cases where organized crime is alleged to have intervened in labor conflicts at mining companies. The inquiries focus on Canadian operators, including Vizsla Silver, Orla Mining, Torex Gold Resources and Panamerican Silver. Sheinbaum said public accusations exist but "there are no conclusive elements" to confirm criminal ties, and urged any company facing threats or extortion to file formal complaints with state or federal prosecutors.

Sheinbaum also stressed that Canadian miners must meet the same environmental standards in Mexico as in Canada, noting a list of pending remediation issues sent to the Canadian government. A U.S. trade panel previously reported that Orla Mining hired a known narcotrafficker to intimidate workers at its Camino Rojo mine in Zacatecas, disrupting union meetings and threatening death. The president highlighted broader security gains, citing a recent 46 % drop in homicides, while condemning armed‑force tactics used against local communities.