VIEW FROM THE TOP |
COLLABORATION, AGREEMENTS TO PROMOTE MINING DEVELOPMENT SALVADOR GARCÍA President of AIMMGM
Q: How will the newly-elected board of directors bolster
through online courses, interactive live webcasts and face-
the association’s role in promoting the development of the
to-face classes. It is supported by the University of British
Mexican mining industry?
Columbia and the University of Arizona. Its training helps our
A: So far, the association’s role has been to witness and
union members remain up to date on key topics and trends
support the decisions that have been made in relation to
in the industry. The fact it is online provides participants
mining in the country. We want to change that role or at least
with flexibility, while also giving the option of face-to-face
lay the foundations for it to be an association that proposes
interaction.
substantial changes that benefit the mining industry in Mexico. Q: What have been the main ups and downs of the 2012-2018 One example of this is the joint agenda we would like to
administration and in what state will the new government
set up with SEMARNAT, PROFEPA and other government
inherit the mining industry in Mexico?
institutions to make the industry more sustainable and
A: From my point of view, the incumbent government never
socially responsible. This is something that society and some
had mining on its agenda and that is one of the reasons
authorities have not understood, perhaps due to a lack of
behind the implementation of the new 7.5 percent duty plus
information or misinformation in the media. Mining is one of
0.5 percent for precious metals. The new government will
the most sustainable and socially-responsible industries in
inherit a battered industry in addition to an excessive tax
the country but it tends to have a negative image not only in
burden compared to other countries. This is exacerbated by
Mexico but globally. We must change this by informing the
the insecurity that permeates our country and the absence of
public of the virtues of mining with facts and evidence.
the rule of law, especially in rights of way disputes. It seems that in these scenarios, the private interest is set aside and
Q: In your experience, how can AIMMGM build an effective
the ejido or landowner is always right, often due to political
bridge between the private and public sectors in mining?
motivations rather than rule of law.
A: The role of the association is to be an interlocutor between the public and private sectors. To do that, we must approach
I do not predict any substantial change in terms of the new
the public sector to inform it of the industry’s importance
administration. It is impossible to tell what will happen under
and requirements to continue driving economic value for the
AMLO’s government but I feel it is important that each of
country. Good communication in both directions is important
the entities in our association plays its part to collaborate
so we can always stay well-informed and able to deal with any
for the best interests of the mining industry in Mexico.
problems that arise. This also gives us the leverage to identify
I would request that the next administration consider
areas of opportunity to boost the mining industry in Mexico.
the value of the mining industry in the socioeconomic development of our country and take that into account
Our main asset is that we represent the mining sector and our
when making policy decisions. For example, exploration
members are the industry’s main decision-makers. One way
should be encouraged throughout the country, which would
that we are able to work toward our common goal of growth
involve reversing the previous fiscal reform and making pre-
for the mining industry is through the association’s integration,
operational exploration expenses immediately deductible
which empowers us in our actions.
for new projects.
Q: What impact does AIMMGM expect the EDUMINE program to have and why is this important?
AIMMGM is the premier association for mining professionals
A: We believe that education is the best means to achieve
in Mexico. The group works toward the technological and
objectives in any field. EDUMINE is an online platform
economic development of the mining sector and counts the
that provides over 200 courses on mining-related topics
country’s top operators and suppliers among its members
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