The Ministry of Energy, Mines and State Industry (SEMIP) in Mexico has lessened the amount of paperwork through which mining companies must wade. Paradoxically, doing so has entailed the use of still more paper.
The ministry recently published the Manual of Mining Services, which outlines the procedures and forms that companies must know when dealing with SEMIP.
The document spares miners unnecessary trips to Mexico City and reduces the amount of paperwork required by head offices. It also makes it easier for companies to follow Mining Law regulations.
Aimed at making permitting requirements clear and comprehensible, the publication also enables companies to
locate mining lots more accurately.
Among the forms included in the manual are those outlining work required in locating lots. This involves using satellite readings to pinpoint locations. SEMIP is a pioneer in such techniques, having applied them in mapping the country’s mineral resources.
Meanwhile, SEMIP will promote small-scale mining co-operatives this year and next by providing technological and financial support through various agencies. About US$270 million will be allocated, mostly through the Trust Fund. Funding will take the form of direct credit, loans for repairs, advance financing and operating credit.
In addition, “shared-risk revolving funds for exploration” will be set up in seven states, with assets of about US$4.5 million.
About US$11 million will be allocated for exploration. Activities will include 240 reconnaissance visits to promote projects and the preparation of 15 monographs on mineral resources in various Mexican states. Support for small-scale mining and mining co-operatives will take the form of technical and financial assistance, as well as promotional activities of the Mineral Resources Board.
Other support measures will include
* Solidarity Enterprises allocating about US$11.2 million as venture capital to supplement credit from the Trust Fund
* the assaying of 12,500 ore samples at a cost of more than US$450,000 * the Trust Fund undertaking 767 visits to mines, 400 visits to ore-processing plants and 833 visits to provide “general support” * making the Mining Chamber of Mexico’s technical team available at 17 plants in different parts of the country.
— From a submission by the Mexican Investment Board, Mexico City.
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