The Official Gazette of the Federation published the decree with which ‘Lithium for Mexico’ is created, the company that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ordered to be created for the exploration, exploitation and production of this mineral.
“The decentralized public body of the Federal Public Administration called Lithium for Mexico is created, with the acronym “LithiumMx” grouped in the sector coordinated by the Ministry of Energy, with its own legal personality and assets, with technical, operational and management autonomy.
You can also read: The state-owned company that will manage lithium in Mexico, between uncertainty and the risk of failure
This, after Congress approved reforms to articles 1, 5, 9 and 10 of the Mining Law to establish that the State is the only one that can exploit lithium.
Lithium for Mexico: How will it work?
Lithium for Mexico will begin its functions no later than 180 calendar days following the entry into force of the decree.
It will operate through a general directorate, whose head will be appointed and removed by the President of the Republic.
There will also be an Administrative Council, which will be chaired by the head of the Ministry of Energy, Rocío Nahle. In the council are also the heads of Finance, Economy, Semarnat and Governance.
The company must develop and execute engineering projects, research, geological activities, and all those related to the exploration, exploitation, benefit and use of lithium.
Another of his responsibilities will be to develop the technology for the use of lithium.
In its first year of operations, Lithium for Mexico will operate with personnel and budget designated by the Ministry of Energy.
For subsequent years, the corresponding expenditures will be covered by the resource allocations approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
You will also be able to dispose of the income you obtain from the exploration, exploitation, profit of lithium and its economic value chains.
Experts see uncertainty
Months before the reform was approved, mining experts warned that creating a company to manage lithium, without having certainty about the amount of this mineral in the country, generated uncertainty and concern.
In addition to legal uncertainty, there is concern that it will be a body where the president will have a direct impact, when the ideal was that he had technical management autonomy to fulfill his tasks.
What we do at Animal Político requires professional journalists, teamwork, dialogue with readers and something very important: independence. You can help us keep going. Be part of the team.
Subscribe to Animal Político, receive benefits and support free journalism.#YoSoyAnimal
