Ley General de Bienes Nacionales y Ley Federal de Minas
The Ley Federal de Minas (Federal Mining Law) governs the exploration, extraction, and commercialization of mineral resources in Mexico. The law establishes the legal framework for mining concessions, the rights and obligations of concession holders, and the regulation of mining activities. It defines the types of mining concessions (exploration and exploitation), sets the requirements for obtaining concessions, and addresses environmental obligations, royalty payments, and the protection of cultural and archaeological heritage in mining areas.
Legal area: Natural resources law governs the exploration, extraction, and management of natural resources including minerals and energy.
Year enacted: 1992
Full text: https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/htm/ley_federal_minas.htm
Key Provisions
- Art. 5-8: Types of mining concessions (concesiones de exploración y explotación)
- Art. 14-20: Requirements for obtaining concessions
- Art. 21-28: Rights and obligations of concession holders
- Art. 29-35: Environmental obligations (obligaciones ambientales)
- Art. 36-40: Mining royalties and payments (derechos mineros)
- Art. 41-45: Protection of cultural and archaeological heritage
Significance
The Mining Law is central to Mexico’s extractive industries, which are a major component of the national economy. Mexico is one of the world’s leading producers of silver, gold, copper, and other minerals. The law’s concession system has attracted significant foreign investment in the mining sector. However, the law has been criticized for insufficient environmental protections and for the social impacts of mining on indigenous and local communities.