Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V. whose shares are quoted in the Mexican Stock Exchange since 1968 together with its subsidiaries, ranks as one of Mexico's main natural resources industrial groups since its foundation in 1887. Initially devoted to the exploration, mining, smelting, refining and commercialization of metallic non-ferrous minerals, and afterwards engaged in the chemicals and refractories areas. At present it is the wolrd's largest producer of refined silver and sodium sulfate, and one of the major net exporters of the mexican private sector.