Mexico mining industry sees investment jump in 2026 as firms expand projects, buy equipment

Mexico’s mining industry expects investment to rebound sharply in 2026, driven by spending on mine expansions, maintenance and equipment purchases, industry group Camimex said on Monday.

The Mexican Mining Chamber (Camimex) forecast total mining investment of $6.4 billion this year, up 30.8% from the $4.9 billion invested in 2025, as major operators step up spending after a weaker-than-expected year.

Mexico is one of the world’s top producers of silver and an important source of copper, gold and zinc. Large miners operating in the country include Grupo Mexico, Industrias Penoles, Fresnillo, Torex Gold, First Majestic Silver, Agnico Eagle and Alamos Gold.

Camimex said investment in 2025 totaled $4.90 billion, below an initial estimate of $5.31 billion.

The industry’s largest spending category in 2026 is expected to be maintenance, at $1.11 billion, followed by project expansions at $976 million and equipment purchases at $835 million.

The projected increase would mark a return to growth for the sector as companies advance development plans and seek to sustain production at existing operations amid strong long-term demand for metals linked to infrastructure, manufacturing and the energy transition.

(By Noe Torres and Kylie Madry; Editing by Alistair Bell)