Mexico’s lithium reserves could be a game-changer for the country’s economy. The “white mines” in Sonora hold an estimated 243 million tons of lithium, a key mineral for the global energy transition.
Lithium: A Key Player in Mexico’s Economy
Lithium is crucial for making batteries for electric cars, mobile devices, and energy storage systems. Mexico has significant lithium reserves, but it hasn’t been able to tap into them yet. The country has been searching for a way to exploit its lithium resources for years, but so far, no success.
The Bacadéhuachi deposit in Sonora is considered the “Lithium Valley” and has attracted interest from national and international companies. Ganfeng Lithium, a Chinese company, was granted a concession, but it was later canceled due to political conflicts. In 2022, Mexico nationalized lithium and created a state-owned company, Litio para México (LitioMx), to manage the resource.
Challenges Ahead
However, LitioMx received only 12.9 million pesos in the 2025 budget, a fraction of what’s needed to develop the project. Extracting lithium from the clay-rich soil in Sonora is also a complex and costly process. Mexico needs to invest in research and development to make its lithium extraction model viable.
The environmental impact of lithium extraction is another concern. In arid regions like Sonora, excessive water and chemical use can harm the local ecosystem. The impact on nearby communities is also a worry, as they have historically not benefited from the country’s mining wealth.
For example, a mine in Mexico is drying up rivers and harming the environment. If Mexico wants to be a leader in renewable energy, it needs to ensure that its lithium extraction is done sustainably. The country has an estimated 8.7 million tons of lithium, but it doesn’t produce a single commercial ton yet. Australia, Chile, and China dominate the global market, driving their economies with this strategic mineral.
A Path Forward
To succeed, Mexico needs to make strategic decisions, including attracting foreign investment, advancing technologically, and creating a sustainable model that allows for resource exploitation without harming the environment. If done right, Mexico’s “white mines” could be the key to solving many economic problems, but if not, the country risks being left behind in the global supply chain.
Mexico’s lithium reserves are a valuable resource, but extracting them poses significant challenges. The country needs to balance its economic ambitions with environmental concerns and develop a sustainable model for lithium extraction. By doing so, Mexico can unlock the potential of its “white mines” and become a major player in the global energy transition.