Mexico’s gold mining is reported to be on the rise over the past few years, making it the 8th highest gold producer at current world level rankings. The production levels are estimated to be increase annually through 2020.
The country has always been a world leader in silver production. As technologies have improved and new deposits have been discovered the amount of gold has increased dramatically.
The Top 6 Gold Mining Regions in Mexico
The major gold produced in Mexico is reported to have proceeded from the operations of a handful of major corporations, which are managed by the Canadian mining firm known as Goldcorp. The firm is known to undertake its operations at Los Filos (Guerrero) and Penasquito (Zacatecas), where the main mines are located.
The gold mining operations in Mexico are highly concentrated in the locations of six major states. Among them is Sonora whose gold production adds up to 32% of the national production. Its main locations known for gold mining include Caborca, Sahuaripa, Santa Ana, Alamos, Altar and Tricheras.
Sonora is then followed by Zacatecas whose total contribution towards the national gold production stands at 20%. Its major gold producing areas include Mazapil, Luis Moya, Ojocaliente, Fresnillo as well as Concepcion Del Oro.
Furthermore, the other major state known for gold production in Mexico is Chihuahua. The total gold production percentage for this state adds up to 15%. And its gold producing areas are Urique, Chinipas, Ocampo and Madera.
The fourth state in ranking where it concerns gold mining in Mexico is Guerrero, which contributes 13% to the total gold produced in Mexico from the areas such as Eduardo Neri and Coyuca de Catalan.
The state of Durango adds up to 9% of gold to national production. The main sites in this state where this gold is extracted include Santiago Papasquiro and San Dimas.
Lastly, San Luis stands on the sixth position. This state produces 7% of gold from the area of Villa de la Paz. Additionally, the Sierra Madre Occidental Range is known to host numerous mines of gold in Mexico as well.
General Data on Mexican Gold Production:
History of Mining in Mexico
Gold mining in Mexico is reported to have been in existence for at least 500 years now. In all likelihood there has probably been mining activity going on well before then on a small scale. It is well known that Spanish explorers also traversed the country in search of gold.
Early miners used very basic and rudimentary tools to recover gold here. Most of Mexico has a harsh, arid environment that presents a challenge for miners. Much like in the southwestern states of Arizona and New Mexico, miners are often limited to a few specialized tools.
Metal detectors are one more popular methods for finding gold nuggets here. In fact, Mexico’s largest gold nugget ever discovered, a 389-ounce chunk nicknamed the ‘Boot of Cortez’, came from the Sonoran Desert and was found with a metal detector.
Largest Mines in Mexico
The major gold mines in Mexico include Penasquito mine, which is top most gold mine in the country. Apart from the Penasquito mine, other major gold producing mines are Fresnillo’s La Herradura and Noche Buena mines, Goldcorp’s Los Filos mine as well as Agnico Eagle mines’ and Pinos Altos mine.
The gold mining industry in Mexico is reported to be conducive even for the foreign investors. In recent years, a number of mines have been open to foreign investments. As a result, the production capacity has been gradually increasing.
However, the explorations in the country have not been maximised yet. For instance, some reports reveal that only 25% of Mexico has been explored for gold on any significant scale. This in itself is a clear indication that there is still gold waiting to be discovered across the country.
Mexico’s Future Gold Mining Potential
In conclusion, from the production levels of gold in Mexico, it is evident that the country stands good chances of increasing the production capacity in the coming years. Since estimates indicate that only 25% of the country has been prospected on any significant scale by major gold corporations.
Production levels have been on the increase in recent decades, but there are challenges. One logistical challenge is the security risk of operating in some parts of the country. Violence, poverty, and corruption in particular are legitimate challenges faced by anyone who works an active mine in Mexico.
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