Sonora
75.6% of Mexico's copper (5th globally); 31.4% of national mining; Buenavista del Cobre 450,000t annually; lithium frontier for EV batteries.
Sonora contributes 31.4% of Mexico's national mining production, with copper defining its identity—the state produces 75.6% of Mexican copper, making it the country's largest producer and fifth-largest globally. Buenavista del Cobre, operated by Grupo México, is one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines, producing over 450,000 tonnes annually from a pit exceeding 1,000 meters deep. Mining represents 23% of Sonora's GDP.
The state is positioning for the energy transition. Copper demand could double between 2020 and 2040 as EV production surges (electric cars require six times more metal than gas-powered vehicles). Grupo México announced three copper projects advancing significantly: El Pilar will soon produce 36,000 tonnes of copper cathodes annually. Sonora is also becoming Mexico's lithium frontier, with projects like Bacanora Lithium positioning it as a future EV battery supply chain node.
By 2026, Sonora will test whether mining can modernize for decarbonization. The Sonora Plan for Sustainable Energy—championed by President López Obrador and supported by Claudia Sheinbaum—aims to reduce emissions while strengthening the energy matrix. If copper and lithium development attracts clean-tech manufacturing and mining operations adopt renewable power, Sonora could anchor Mexico's green transition. If commodity cycles turn or environmental opposition mounts, the state's extractive identity may become constraint rather than advantage.