State Company Treads Water on Lithium Ambitions

LitioMX, Mexico's state-owned lithium company, received a 13.97 million peso budget for 2026, marking an 8% increase from the previous year, according to the Federal Budget. Yet this boost masks a troubling reality: the company has launched no production initiatives whatsoever.

A report published April 1 by El Universal reveals that during fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, LitioMX allocated zero funds to exploration, extraction, or processing. Over three years of operation, the company has spent 31.2 million pesos, with more than 90% going to administrative salaries.

Why This Matters

For Mexican households, the stalled lithium program carries real weight. Lithium is essential for electric vehicle batteries and grid storage, sectors that could generate between 3 billion and 8 billion dollars annually under full commercial production. Mexico holds a competitive advantage: estimated reserves of 1.7 million tons concentrated in clay deposits across Sonora state.

The catch: no country has yet produced lithium commercially from clay. The Bacadéhuachi deposit in Sonora represents one of three exploration sites, but legal disputes have blocked its development.

Supreme Court Backs State Control

On March 24, 2026, Mexico's Supreme Court resolved a constitutional controversy, affirming the state's exclusive right to exploit lithium resources. This ruling bolsters the current regulatory framework, according to N+ reporting.

Not everyone is satisfied. Héctor Saúl Téllez Hernández, economic vice-coordinator of the National Action Party, has proposed alternative constitutional reforms to reshape Mexico's lithium strategy.

What Comes Next

LitioMX must submit its annual report to the Federal Audit Office. Serious legislative scrutiny of the company's operations will resume during the ordinary session beginning September 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

**What budget did LitioMX receive for 2026?**

The company was allocated 13.97 million pesos, an 8% increase from 2025. Over three years, LitioMX has spent 31.2 million pesos total, with more than 90% dedicated to payroll.

**Where are Mexico's lithium reserves located?**

Mexico has estimated reserves of 1.7 million tons of lithium, primarily in clay deposits in Sonora state. The Bacadéhuachi deposit is one of three exploration sites, though legal disputes currently hamper development efforts.

**What did the Supreme Court decide about lithium exploitation?**

On March 24, 2026, the Supreme Court affirmed the state's exclusive authority to exploit Mexico's lithium resources, reinforcing the current regulatory structure.