Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 23 JULY 2026

Mining And Protected Natural Areas

EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Contributor
EC Rubio

EC Rubio

EC Rubio is a full-service Mexican law firm specializing in national and international business...

View firm profile
Explore more from EC Rubio

Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has established new criteria that significantly restrict mining activities within federally protected natural areas, creating immediate compliance challenges for existing operations and effectively blocking new projects. Mining companies must now navigate complex regulatory requirements regarding environmental authorizations, operational expansions, and restoration programs to maintain their current activities within these protected zones.

MexicoEnvironment
Pablo Méndez Alvídrez
Pablo Méndez Alvídrez
Oscar Villado
Oscar Villado

Dear Clients and Friends:

On July 20, 2026, Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources published an Agreement in the Federal Official Gazette establishing new criteria for processing applications related to mineral exploration, exploitation and beneficiation works within federally protected natural areas.

The Agreement’s main implications include:

  • SEMARNAT may not grant new authorizations, permits, registrations or licenses for mining activities within federally protected natural areas.
  • This prohibition applies even to holders of mining concessions granted before May 9, 2023, when they submit a new environmental impact assessment application.
  • Environmental impact assessment applications currently pending must be resolved in accordance with the new Agreement.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Programa Nacional Hídrico 2026-2030

Mexico's National Water Program 2026-2030 establishes a comprehensive framework to address the country's critical water challenges, including severe water stress affecting 95% of the northern and central territory, contamination in 30% of major rivers, and significant gaps in water treatment infrastructure. The program outlines five strategic objectives ranging from strengthening water governance and concession oversight to guaranteeing progressive access to water and sanitation, promoting efficient water u
MexicoEnvironment
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

Federal Court Grants Plaintiffs’ Motion For A Preliminary Injunction In Challenge To New Mexico’s PFAS Labeling Requirement

A federal court in New Mexico has granted a preliminary injunction against the state's PFAS labeling rule for consumer products, finding that the regulation likely violates constitutional protections for commercial speech. The court questioned whether the state's characterization of the label as a "consumer awareness" measure rather than a warning undermines the connection between New Mexico's stated health and environmental interests and the means used to achieve them.
MexicoEnvironment
Bergeson & Campbell
Bergeson & Campbell
Article

Cuotas Para La Determinación Y Pago De La Cuota De Garantía De No Caducidad De Derechos De Aguas Nacionales Para El Ejercicio Fiscal 2026

La SEMARNAT publicó las nuevas cuotas por metro cúbico para la determinación y pago de la cuota de garantía de no caducidad de derechos de aguas nacionales para el ejercicio fiscal 2026. Las cuotas varían según el tipo de uso del agua y la zona de disponibilidad, representando un incremento del 3.6% respecto al año anterior.
MexicoEnvironment
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

Visa Exchange Procedure In The Immigration Process: Procedure For The Exchange Of A Residence Visa In Mexico

Foreign nationals entering Mexico with a residence visa must complete an exchange procedure within 30 days to obtain their official Temporary or Permanent Resident Card from the National Migration Institute. This critical administrative process involves biometric data collection, documentation review, and strict compliance with immigration regulations to maintain legal status in the country.
MexicoImmigration
EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Article

Authorized Tariff Classifications: Control And Updates

Companies registered under Mexico's Certified Companies Scheme Registry (RECE) face significant challenges in tracking authorized tariff classifications for temporary imports. The 2026 renewal resolutions issued by Mexico's Tax Administration Service now provide enhanced documentation that helps certified companies reconcile their authorized tariff classifications with actual customs operations, offering a clearer framework for compliance and identifying potential regulatory gaps.
MexicoInternational Law
EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Article

U.S. Expands Terrorist Designations: Impact On Businesses In Mexico

The United States has expanded its list of Mexican criminal organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, adding the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras to six previously designated cartels. This development significantly impacts compliance and risk management for companies operating in Mexico with U.S. connections, as U.S. law prohibits providing material support to designated organizations and restricts transactions with blocked entities.
GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Article

Reform Proposal For The Reduction Of Working Hours

Mexico's Federal Labor Law has been amended to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, with the first reduction taking effect in 2027. The decree introduces new overtime limits, electronic time-tracking requirements, and adjusted daily working hour maximums across different shift types. Employers must prepare to adapt their operational processes and compliance systems to accommodate these phased changes over the next four years.
MexicoEmployment and HR
EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Article

New Provisions For REPSE: Fewer Requirements And Faster Response Times

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare has published new simplification measures for REPSE registration procedures in Mexico, significantly reducing administrative burdens and processing times for companies providing specialized services. These changes consolidate multiple procedures into a single process, eliminate certain documentation requirements, and cut resolution times by up to 75% for smaller companies.
MexicoEmployment and HR
EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Article

Amendment To The Regulations Of The Anti-Money Laundering Law

A March 2026 decree amends Mexico's Anti-Money Laundering Law regulations, requiring trusts and legal vehicles conducting vulnerable activities to register with the Federal Taxpayers Registry and obtain e-signatures. These changes significantly impact real estate development structuring, as many projects utilize trusts to optimize tax management and allocate functions, assets, and risks across multiple legal vehicles.
MexicoCorporate/Commercial Law
EC Rubio
EC Rubio
Article

Program To Regularize Self-Consumption Fuel Activities

Mexico's National Energy Commission has established a temporary registration program allowing individuals and legal entities currently operating fuel dispensing facilities for self-consumption without proper permits to regularize their operations. The program provides a pathway for non-compliant operators to obtain temporary registration certificates while awaiting the development of permanent regulatory frameworks and permitting requirements.
MexicoEnergy and Natural Resources
EC Rubio
EC Rubio