Behind the scenes at Grupo Mexico, the world's leading producer of copper

Grupo Mexico is the largest mining corporation in Mexico and the third largest copper producer in the world. The group is also a major producer of silver, zinc, gold, lead and molybdenum.

Their certified stocks of copper reserves are higher in comparison to other main producers. "This gives much life to our mines, but also lots of strength and confidence to our investors, because we have reserves for many years to come and in great condition," says Garcia de Quevedo, president of Minera Mexico.

Mining Operation
Their mining operation represents 78 percent of the Group's revenue, the transportation division occupies 14 percent, and the rest is taken by the new infrastructure operation.

Global Sales by Product
The group’s current annual pension is 120,000 tons, divided into: 

• Copper: 80 percent of their global sales. 

• Silver: Seven percent of their global sales. 

• Molybdenum: Six percent of their global sales. 

• Zinc: Three percent of their global sales.

Selling Point
In the future they will increase copper sales in Asian markets, such as China, Japan, and Korea due to Asia’s percentage of copper consumption calculated at 64 percent of the worldwide purchase. Without neglecting their current markets, which are divided in: 47 percent of the copper is sold to United States, 30 percent of the copper is sold in Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, etc.), 15 percent goes to Europe and seven percent goes to Asia.

Competitive Advantages 
Grupo Mexico is going through a period of sustainable growth, with an increase of more than 60 percent in their production of copper at Buenavista del Cobre Mine (formerly Cananea), which translates into an annual production of 200,000 tons.

Grupo Mexico has two major concessions in the railroad loading business that annually generate more than $2 billion. These concessions cover 70 percent of the national territory; reached nine ports and five borders.

• Related content: Top 10 Richest People in the Mining Sector

They have focused their efforts on reducing costs, increasing productivity and saving energy. 

In 2013, power generation plants of 150 megawatts of combined cycle were established in Sonora, mainly for self-consumption of Sonora’s operation of 600,000 tons annually. 

Technology 
Their new industrial equipment has improved productivity in mines, along with new advances in sandblasting treatment and GPS technology. 

The innovative machinery is also more efficient in regards to power consumption and helps automate the processes; an example of this is the solvent extraction and electro-winning (SX/EW) used by Grupo Mexico.

Sustainable Development
Garcia de Quevedo indicates that Grupo Mexico holds an environmental discipline in all operations and has conducted several remediation programs. 

Grupo Mexico is one of the biggest promoters of: 

• Trees: The company plants two million trees in surrounding regions. 

• Nurseries: By developing these lands they provide an economic benefit to nearby residents. 

• Wind farm: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increased their energy savings thanks to the establishment of a wind farm in Oaxaca, Mexico. 

Social Responsibility
Through Grupo Mexico’s foundation they provide social support in eight community centers called “Casa Grande,” in Mexico and Peru. Within these centers education and self-improvement is promoted. 

• Related content: How Grupo Mexico's Increased Production Amid Falling Sales

The group believes in the continued development of their human resource, Garcia de Quevedo mentions: "A good worker can become a technician tomorrow, and even an engineer." They also created the degree of mining engineering in conjunction with the government and have included more women in their operations.

Facing the Future
Oil and gas: They are building four water drills. With this new addition, Grupo Mexico will have a fleet of seven ocean drills, positioning them as one of the most important companies for Pemex.

Infrastructure: In the process of finalizing a superhighway of high specification in the center of the country. 

Energy: They will continue the consumption of renewable energy from their newly established wind farm of 74 mega watts in Oaxaca, Mexico. They will also supply wind energy to Cinemex (cinemas located in more than 300 locations nationwide).

Mining: They are developing an underground mine and are looking to continue the project “Tia Maria” after getting the social license to continue processing this mine. 

By 2015 they will double their copper production to more than 500,000 tons in Buenavista del Cobre mine. "This increase in volume will help us be more efficient and productive," says Garcia de Quevedo.

Stay connected! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook 

Check out the latest edition of Mining Global