El desarrollo de la industria minera sonorense: el retorno a la producción de metales preciosos

Abstract

This article shows the way in which ancient and recent history of the state of Sonora are closely linked to the exploitation of the states rich mining deposits. At the end of last century, Sonoran economy was mainly based on the extraction of precious metals, especially gold and silver; thereafter during the first decades of this century industrial metals, particularly copper, were the leaders in this sector and consequently, of the state?s entire economic activity. The importance mining had acquired gradually decreased due to the fact that agriculture and manufacturing increased their participation, attaining high growth rates. Nonetheless, the essay shows the present characteristics of the mining industry and that which it has during the last year, mainly in 1995 and 1996. A feverish dynamism is observed in the exploration and exploitation of several metals, which remind us of the sector?s best years. There is a difference in this new growth, since, on one hand, precious metals head the expansion and, on the other, financing of new projects is mainly through foreign investment. Once these issues are developed, it is concluded that the new boom in Sonoran mining is different, since it comprises a mining production structure with a less national trend , t h at is more vulnerable to the whims of international economic cycles.