Penoles began operations in 1887 as a mining company. It currently controls more than 20 active companies involved in exploration, mining, foundation and refining of precious metals and industrial and developing inorganic chemical product which integrates different companies involved in the production of agrindustrial products, is the world's largest producer refined silver, metallic bismuth and sodium sulfate; operates the non-ferrous metallurgical complex in Latin America's largest and fourth worldwide in terms of value of production. It occupies a dominant position in the domestic market for gold, refined lead and zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, ammonium and magnesium sulfate, mining and metallurgical operations are among the most efficient in terms of operating costs worldwide. It is one of the largest net exporters of Mexico with sales of more than 30 countries to which distributes more than 58% of its production.