The Mexican Federal Government extended the suspension of all non-essential activities until May 30 to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The directive, however, also includes a provision for the potential restart of activities after May 18 for operations located in regions with only a few cases of COVID-19. Many of the Mexican mining operations in remote locations are now targeting that date for a restart of operations, which suspended activities at the beginning of April, except for critical activities, such as pumping, safety, security and environmental management.
The Mexican Federal Government also issued proclamations, both formal and informal, to clarify the meaning of “essential activities.” At the same time, individual Mexican states are enforcing federal directives and some have issued their own localized proclamations, creating a complex, evolving landscape for some mining companies with Mexican operations.
