Mexico's Supreme Court Upholds Exclusive State Control Over Lithium Mining

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation upheld the 2022 amendment to the Mining Law, designating lithium as national heritage and reserving its exploration and exploitation exclusively for the State. The Court emphasized the need for consultation with indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. It confirmed the validity of Articles related to lithium in the Mining Law and the establishment of a public agency for its management, in line with constitutional amendments made on October 31, 2024.

Published Mar 27, 2026

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation upheld a 2022 constitutional amendment to the Mining Law, which reserves lithium exploration and exploitation exclusively for the State. This ruling mandates consultation with indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities.

AI-curated by Theia

Legislators raised concerns about Congress's authority to reserve lithium, but the Court reinforced that the amendment from October 31, 2024, established lithium as a strategic resource. The Court confirmed the legality of Articles in the Mining Law designating lithium deposits as mining reserve zones and endorsed creating a decentralized public agency for their management.