The Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico (Aimmgm) expressed its concern about the reform of the Water Law, which “threatens the operational continuity of the sector,” according to the miners.
The entity explained that the proposal to modify article 118 of the National Water Law, promoted in the Chamber of Deputies, represents a risk “due to the consequences for various industries and the national economy.”
The modification would allow water concessions to be granted to mining under new restrictions and use priorities, which could limit or significantly modify their access and operation in areas where the resource is currently used.
Given this, the Aimmgm warned in a statement that the proposal “threatens the operational continuity of the sector, the production of strategic minerals and the livelihood of around 3 million families that depend directly and indirectly on mining.”
The association that represents professionals and technicians in the mining industry highlighted that currently 76% of the water in Mexico is concessioned for agricultural use, 14% for public supply, 5% for the energy sector and 5% for the industrial sector.
“And mining uses an estimated 0.27% of the total national volume,” he noted.
More information: Agricultural sector recognizes incorporation of proposals to reform the water law
In addition, he pointed out that formal mining in Mexico “meets strict standards and confines its waste safely,” since with the advice of the National Water Commission (Conagua) and other federal agencies, “clear guidelines for the responsible management” of water are established in the mining units, which guarantees the preservation and sustainable use of the water resource during and after mining activities.
The association recognized the need to consider water as “a public good” and a “fundamental human right” for socioeconomic development, energy, food production, ecosystems and the survival of the population, as proposed in the reform.
However, he warned that “in the terms proposed by the reform proposal, it would negatively affect” mining and other industries.
Finally, the Aimmgm reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the government to build “an effective, sustainable regulatory framework fully aligned with national objectives for mining.”
“To this end, it trusts that legislators will make changes to legislation that promote water governance mechanisms and socio-environmental justice, for which it makes available its knowledge and the experience of its professionals, in order to guarantee Mexico’s competitiveness,” the note concluded.
The reform of the National Water Law is currently in the Chamber of Deputies, where it is expected to be discussed and finally approved by legislators between today and Thursday.
With information from EFE
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