Mexico’s mining industry contributes 2.05% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. But there’s a dark side – it’s a major source of pollution.
Environmental activists are speaking out against the harm caused by mining operations. They want stronger regulations to protect the ecosystem. In Mexico, these activists are in danger.
The Center for Information on Companies and Human Rights recently reported that Mexico has the second-highest number of attacks on activists worldwide, with 455 cases between 2024 and 2025. Many of these attacks go unreported due to fear of retaliation.
Most of the targeted activists are from indigenous communities affected by deforestation, water pollution, and toxic gases from mining operations. They often form non-profit organizations to demand justice from the authorities. However, governments often prioritize mining revenues over people’s lives.
The situation is dire. Activists are vulnerable when defending their land and the environment, and they lack support from authorities. This leads to disappearances and worse. The Center for Information on Companies and Human Rights urges action to protect these activists.
Despite some protection mechanisms in place, they are insufficient. The mining industry is not the only one where activists face violence – the fossil fuel and logging industries also see cases of aggression.
The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has been asked to create a solid plan to protect defenders and their lands. However, collectives continue to push for a meeting with authorities to present their grievances and the true numbers of attacks they face.