President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected claims of a formal agreement between Mexico and the United States on critical minerals, stating that recent bilateral discussions are preliminary and do not involve regulatory commitments or joint exploration. Her remarks follow a US announcement suggesting progress toward a joint action plan on mineral supply chains.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico has not signed any accord with the United States and that any dialogue will be conducted under the principle of national sovereignty. She ruled out changes to Mexico’s mining law or concessions of natural resources to foreign entities. “There is nothing signed. Nothing,” she said, clarifying that current talks are limited to information exchange.
The clarification comes amid growing US interest in securing access to critical minerals—such as silver and gold—that are essential for electronics and electric vehicle production. While the US Trade Representative had referenced potential regulatory cooperation, Sheinbaum insisted that each country would continue to explore and regulate within its own jurisdiction. “They investigate in their country, and we do so in ours,” she stated.
There is nothing signed. Nothing… We explore and investigate according to our laws.
Sheinbaum also announced that more than 200 inactive mining concessions will be returned to the Mexican state. She described the process as voluntary, not an act of state intervention, noting that these concessions were not in production. The move aligns with her administration’s broader stance on resource nationalism and tighter control over strategic sectors.
In response to criticism from civil society groups accusing her government of promoting extractivism, Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico will retain full control over its mineral resources. She rejected claims that her administration is pursuing a destructive or extractive model, asserting instead that national interests remain paramount.
“We are not entering into a destructivist process nor are we handing over natural resources,” she said, pushing back against domestic concerns about environmental and social impacts of mining activity.
While the Mexican government maintains that future commercial arrangements could occur under existing trade agreements, it has made clear that these will not compromise domestic legal authority. The administration’s position may complicate US efforts to deepen cooperation on mineral supply chains, particularly as Washington seeks reliable partners for sourcing materials critical to its industrial policy.
The voluntary return of concessions may also raise questions among investors about regulatory predictability in Mexico’s mining sector. Some observers argue that a restrictive stance could deter foreign investment in industries such as battery manufacturing, where access to raw materials is key.
Nonetheless, Sheinbaum’s message signals continuity with recent Mexican policy trends favoring state oversight of natural resources. As global demand for critical minerals intensifies, Mexico appears intent on asserting its autonomy rather than aligning with external agendas.
