President-elected Claudia Sheinbaum has announced six ministers who will join her cabinet when she takes office on October 1, 2024. This team comprises experienced members of the ruling party MORENA, academics, and trusted aides from Sheinbaum's tenure as Mayor of Mexico City. Two of the nominees, who will lead the Ministry of Economy (SE) and SEMARNAT, are viewed as crucial in shaping the future of the mining sector.

As President López Obrador's administration nears its end, industry insiders speculate that Claudia Sheinbaum, the incoming president, may adopt a more moderate approach toward the mining sector. This shift is attributed to her scientific background and inclination toward accelerating the energy transition. The recent nominations of Marcelo Ebrard as Minister of Economy and Alicia Bárcenas as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources are poised to significantly impact the mining sector, as these positions are directly related to foreign direct investment (FDI) and environmental permits, both crucial aspects of the industry.

Marcelo Ebrard’s Profile

Marcelo Ebrard, a former contender for MORENA’s presidential candidacy, stepped aside when Claudia Sheinbaum was ultimately chosen. Ebrard holds a degree in International Relations from COLMEX and specialized in Public Administration at the National School of Administration in Paris. His career includes roles as Foreign Minister, Mayor of Mexico City, and Minister of Public Security of Mexico City, as reported by MBN.

Ebrard's priorities include attracting more foreign investment and promoting nearshoring. Although he has not explicitly stated his position on the mining sector, since competing for MORENA’s presidential candidacy, he has been viewed as a more moderate figure within the party. Ebrard is known for being more receptive to private investment and public-private partnerships.

SE has several responsibilities in the mining sector. It develops and monitors mining programs, coordinates and resolves mining-related matters, and maintains the Public Mining Registry and the Registry of Mining Experts. SE collects and keeps confidential information on mineral production, geology, and economic data from mining companies. It publishes statistical reports on mining production and submits proposed decrees related to mining reserve zones and concession statuses.

SE also issues and manages mining concessions, organizes concession grant tenders, and authorizes mining exploration and exploitation activities. It also enforces the Mining Law through verification powers and administrative sanctions. Additionally, the Mexican Geological Survey (SGM) operates under the administration of SE. 

Under the López Obrador administration, the Undersecretariat of Mining, which was under the jurisdiction of SE, was eliminated. Another significant change in the proposed Mining Law reform is to leave exploration solely under the authority of SGM. 

Alicia Bárcena 

Bárcena, who holds a degree in Biology and a Master’s in Ecology from UNAM, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard, currently serves as Mexico’s Foreign Minister. Her previous roles include being Mexico’s Ambassador to Chile from 2022 to 2023, Executive Secretary of ECLAC from 2008 to 2022, and Assistant Secretary General for Administration and Management at the UN.

Bárcena has highlighted the urgent need for environmental restoration in Mexico, particularly addressing issues such as the water crisis, pollution, and environmental degradation. She emphasized her alignment with Sheinbaum's vision regarding climate change, renewable energy, electromobility, and sustainability. She also advocated “moving from extractivism to sustainability.” 

Despite her extensive experience in diplomacy and environmental affairs, some political figures have criticized her for allegedly supporting authoritarian leaders in Latin America, such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez, former leaders of Cuba and Venezuela, respectively. However, the general perception of her is that she has always been open to dialogue, a quality highly valued by the mining sector. The sector has urged for the building of bridges and the facilitation of discussions based on scientific facts.

SEMARNAT oversees compliance with safety and environmental regulations by holders of mining concessions and assignments, ensuring adherence to general provisions and Official Mexican Standards (NOMs). These standards cover various aspects such as safety in underground coal mines, environmental protection for gold and silver leaching, and waste management plans for mining residues. Additionally, SEMARNAT sets guidelines for the environmental management of direct mining activities and copper mineral leaching systems.

While both Ebrard and Bárcena are seen as more moderate, the mining sector is left to engage with them to emphasize the significance of mining for other industries and national development. "The new administration should focus on establishing legal certainty and enhancing the sector's regulatory framework. Rather than imposing bans, they should enact regulations that align with responsible mining practices and global sustainability standards," stated Karen Flores, Director General, CAMIMEX.