Mexico Natural Resources Facts: Learn About Mining & Minerals

Mexico is a popular destination for all the right reasons, it has some of the most exquisite beaches and amazing food, however, it is also known for its natural resources.

Mexico borders the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also the world’s fourth-largest recipient of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) for mining and second in Latin America.

Mexico has Mexico City as its political, industrial, and cultural head with an approximate population of 18 million. Mexico has abundant natural resources such as natural gas, lead, zinc, copper, petroleum, silver, and gold. Therefore, the mining industry is an important part of the Mexican government and its economy. The substantial nominal GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Mexico is approximately $1.199 trillion, making it one of the strongest economies in the world. Currently, Mexico holds the 15th rank however, by 2050, Mexico will possess the capability to become the fifth-largest economy. Both the economy and government of Mexico possess plentiful natural resources and agricultural products, as Mexico has a diversity of oil fields, crops, manufacturing base, and great trade with Canada and the United States. If you want to learn more about the natural resources found in Mexico, continue reading this article.

Types Of Natural Resources In Mexico

Mexico is a repository of some exotic natural resources. While the major sector of oil is situated in the southern and eastern regions of the country, minerals such as gold, copper, and silver can be discovered in the northern and western regions. Mexico is an extensive producer of silver and in 2018 this country was the world’s leading producer of silver. More about the natural resources of this country are discussed below.

Of the metals found in Mexico, gold is another valuable metal that accounts for a major part of the GDP as well as the mineral sector. This is evident from the fact that in 2010 this country produced 160046.78 lb (72595.9 kg) of gold. Other minerals include zinc and copper, as projects like the El Arco project of Grupo México have the potential to produce 209435.62 tons (190,000 met ton) of copper each year. The production of both copper and zinc was increased by 12% and 3%, respectively, in 2010.

Coal is also produced abundantly in Mexico, and the history of coal mining in this country goes back to 1884 when the Americans began expanding mining. However, it was not until the arrival of the investors that coal production reached its peak in the 20th century. Mexico is said to be the 11th largest producer of oil in the world, with the 17th largest oil reserves in the world. The oil division bestows 10% to the revenue of the country through export. The main industries of Mexico comprise of tobacco, food and beverages, clothing, petroleum, motor vehicles, iron, steel, and tourism. It is a primary exporter of oil products, oil, silver, coffee, fruits, cotton, and vegetables.

Measures For Conserving Natural Resources

Depletion of natural resources is a universal issue and not just in Mexico. The increase in demand asks for an increase in production, and this increase in production is creating a serious impact on the environment. In Mexico, several environmental policies have been implemented to counter the overall environmental degradation. Mexico is widely known for its bio-diversity and its abundant natural resources. However, the economic activities of the country over the years have pressurized the natural resources and ecosystem, causing some serious damage.

To overcome this challenge, Mexico has mechanized some comprehensive approaches. For example, the responsibilities for forests, soil, environment, fisheries, and aquaculture has been assembled under one ministry. This ministry has formulated more extensive policies, programs, and strategies that are to be implemented in the early stages. The country has already doubled its naturally protected areas and aims to increase the size even further. New and more innovative ideas are being utilized to appease the pressure on the environment.

Numerous programs are being conducted to overcome deforestation and encourage sustainable forestry. There is also a crucial certification program that specifies agricultural land’s tenancy and demarcates the protected areas. As these recent policies aim at resolving the current problems, their implementation was begun immediately. However, the Programme of the Naturally Protected Areas is not entirely financed. As Mexico is already enriched with natural gas oil reserves and a substantial amount of hydroelectricity, the pollutant emission and energy usage is nonetheless lower than most countries. However, the energy intensity in Mexico is growing so CO2 emissions are growing as well. Mexico has created a formal body to combat energy issues that includes representation from various public authorities. Mexico has also enforced a beneficial strategy to improve fuel mix and its quality, to reduce pollution from CO, SO2, lead, particulates, benzene, and olefins.

To decrease the degree of air pollution, fuel oil is substituted by natural gas or even cleaner fuel. In the energy sectors of Mexico, risk assessments, environmental audits, and environmental impact assessments are being performed, and the energy facilities are inspected by PROFEPA. Few proposals have been made that are to be given consideration such as improvement of the energy efficiency is to be promoted. On gas prices and electricity, cross-subsidies or subsidies are to be removed. CFE and PEMEX are to be ensured to act as partners in formulating environmental policies, carrying out the national policies as soon as possible and adjusting the level of fuel price.

Comparison With Other Countries Natural Resources

The natural resources of Mexico are mainly dominated by oil reserves, natural gas, coal, iron, silver, and copper. Mexico has one of the strongest economies in the world.

However, if we compare Mexico with its neighboring country United States, it is relatively lower, as the United States produces 12.29 million barrels of crude oil each day and Mexico produces 2,484,354.88 barrels, whereas Canada produces 4,596,725 barrels per day. Similarly, Mexico is the 17th largest producer of natural gas, whereas the United States is the largest producer of natural gas in the world, followed by Canada. Mexico is the 24th largest producer of coal in the world, while the top positions are dominated by China and India. Nevertheless, the production of silver in Mexico is the largest in the world.

Did You Know

You may know a lot about Mexico and its natural resources, but did you know these things?

Mexico is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the world.

The National Mining Development Plan is one of the measures undertaken by the Mexican government that will enable the rapid growth of the country shortly.

The mining sector of Mexico solely generated a revenue of approximately $730 in 2010. Furthermore, the mining sector also embodied a $1.25 billion market for the US by the end of 2010.

The Mining Industry has an integral role in the history of Mexico as it has existed for nearly 500 years and is amongst the largest metal producer in the world.

New technologies are being integrated by the mining industry of Mexico as it is striving towards gaining a 4.0 status.

Mexico primarily produces three kinds of crude oil, out of which heavy Maya-22 accounts for the oil production of more than half of Mexico.

However, in 2017-2018 there was a decrease in oil production from 2.2 million to 2 million barrels.

Iron ore is one such mineral that is not abundant enough to export but is sufficient for local use.

Over half of agricultural land is owned by the communal farms, which are known as ejidos.

The major revenue generator of Mexico is primarily the mineral industry, which is an immensely profitable category.

FAQs

What are Mexico's major natural resources?

Considered as one of the extensive producers of silver, gold, copper, lead, wood, zinc, and natural gas, it comprises iron, coal, cadmium, antimony, and manganese. Adjoining the Gulf of Mexico, this country has oil reserves that serve as one of its crucial economic sources. The industry began even before the Mexican revolution that occurred in 1910. In the '30s the oil industry was nationalized by Mexico, and so that the oil profit could go to the country, PEMEX was created. There are plenty of oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche. However, new oil reserves are still being discovered.

What are some of New Mexico's natural resources?

The natural resources of Mexico are silver, coal, gold, lead, copper, zinc, wood, natural gas, and iron.

What is Mexico's most important mineral product?

Silver is regarded as the most important mineral product in Mexico, as the country is the world's largest producer of silver.

Why is Mexico so poor?

Mexico as a country is not poor as it comes under the top 15 richest countries in the world. However, half of the citizens of Mexico, which is about 53 million people, live in poverty. The primary reason behind this is the uneven wealth distribution and social stagnation.

What are some natural resources?

Resources that have formed and existed over the years without any interference from human beings are called natural resources. Some examples of natural resources are oil, natural gas, coal, timber, and iron.

What is Mexico's most valuable natural resource?

Oil is perhaps the most valuable natural resource of Mexico.

Is zinc a natural resource?

Zinc is a common element, but it is not found naturally. A substantial amount of zinc deposits contain lead and galena. Thus both zinc and lead are mined together.

Which two metals are mined in Mexico?

Gold and silver are the most valuable minerals that are mined in Mexico.

What does Mexico produce with its natural resources?

Oil and natural gas in the main source of energy thus, they are used to produce energy.

What fuel is one of Mexico's greatest natural resources?

Oil is one of the most significant fuels.

Why are Mexico's natural resources important?

The natural resources of Mexico are important as they contribute immensely to the economy of the country.