U.S. Mining Plan Raises Concerns in Mexico

A new mining agreement between the United States and Mexico has raised concerns among Indigenous communities, residents of the Sierra Norte mountains, and environmental activists, Tamara Pearson reported for Truthout.

The Sierra Norte contains deposits of “critical minerals,” including manganese, gold, silver, and copper. (Photo: Soy Ecoturista)

Announced on February 4, the U.S.-Mexico Action Plan on Critical Minerals aims to secure mineral supplies for U.S. industries, including defense manufacturing, technology sectors such as data centers and smartphones, and the energy transition.

The plan outlines measures such as price floors, identification of mining projects, coordinated geological mapping, and mineral resource assessments.

Critics say it offers limited benefits to Mexico and fails to adequately address environmental and public health risks.

“They want us to show these foreign companies where the minerals are and then hand everything over without resistance,” said Miguel Sánchez Olvera, a Totonac community member from the Sierra Norte involved in efforts to block mining projects.

The Sierra Norte contains deposits of “critical minerals,” including manganese, gold, silver, and copper. Manganese is widely used in steel production and defense applications.

Residents say mining activity has already caused environmental harm.

In parts of the region, black dust from manganese processing has reportedly settled on homes, while emissions from nearby facilities have raised concerns about air quality and long-term health impacts.