The Mexico took the first step towards nationalization of lithium deposits of metal necessary for the manufacture of electric batteries, which are expected to gradually replace the internal combustion engines of cars, in an effort to prevent climate change.
Lithium is part of Mexico’s heritage, which excludes any new licensing in private companies, according to the reform of the law on mines and mines adopted by the deputies of the majority faction of the left-wing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Mexico has large deposits lithium, especially in the state of Sonora (north), noted in 2019 the specialized site Mining Technology. The projects are at this stage in the exploration phase.
Previous governments had given in eight licenses, which will remain in force.
After its approval by 298 deputies – out of a total of 500 – the bill remains to be passed by the Senate, where, however, the ruling party MORENA also has a majority.
After the previous one was submitted to the Parliament, the law was adopted after a day of dialogue, after the rejection of the proposal for the revision of the Constitution to strengthen the role of the public in the electricity market.
The lithium bill was approved by simple majority. The revision of the Constitution required an absolute majority of two thirds, which the party of the president does not have in Parliament.
THE Washington was opposed to revision of the Constitution, watching environmental risks and investments of billions that US companies have done in Mexico and warned that it would trigger “endless lawsuits” under the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
THE President Lopez Obrador called the stance of the three opposition parties, whose MPs voted against the revision of the fundamental law, a “betrayal”.
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