Permitting milestone shows intent for final authorization

The US Forest Service issued a Draft Record of Decision (ROD) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), signaling Hermosa’s approval following years of study and public input.

~135
Mitigation and conservation efforts to address possible impacts
~90%
Less water use than comparable mines in the region
750
Acres of surface footprint for the underground mine

Brighter futures start here.

South32 is hiring locally for skilled, high-quality jobs at Hermosa that offer training, growth, and a career path you can build right here at home.

~900
Direct, family-sustaining jobs when fully operational
80%
Local hiring goal to build a homegrown workforce
$90K
Average annual earnings, two times more than the local average

A next-generation critical minerals project.

Hermosa is an advanced underground mine in Southern Arizona, designed to responsibly produce zinc and manganese — critical minerals that power energy and strengthen national security.

5
Federally designated critical minerals to be produced at Hermosa
$2.16B
Largest private investment in Southern Arizona history
3X
Hermosa-sized projects needed every year by 2034 to meet global zinc demand
Draft ROD and Final EIS Released
Building your future at South32
Developing critical minerals for America’s future

A critical minerals district located in a historic mining area of Southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains

Hermosa is an advanced mine development project that could produce five federally designated critical minerals – including zinc and manganese – essential for powering the nation’s energy future. Designed with modern technology and long-term planning, South32 will support domestic supply chains, workforce development, and lasting community value.

SOUTH32 IS BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES

Hermosa is home to five federally designated critical minerals – zinc, manganese, copper, silver, and lead – needed to power the nation’s energy future. The United States is currently highly reliant on imports and overseas supply chains for these resources.

Hermosa represents the largest private investment in Southern Arizona history. South32 is expected to create hundreds of good-paying jobs, support local businesses, and deliver long-term economic value across the region.

South32 works closely with local governments, Tribes, and community members to build trust and shared value. Through ongoing engagement, sustainability, and community investment, Hermosa is designed to improve lives today and for generations to come.

South32 is focused on building a homegrown workforce by prioritizing local hiring, training, and career development. From apprenticeships to advanced technical roles, the project supports safe, meaningful careers that help people grow and succeed.

The Hermosa difference

Stories from across Hermosa

See stories from:
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South32 Hermosa Difference | Dry Stack Tailings
our operations
South32 Hermosa Difference | Remote Operations
our operations
South32 Hermosa Difference | Water
our operations
The Hermosa Difference: Investing in People, Not Just Projects
our operations
South32 Hermosa Difference | Tribal Relations
our operations
P-Town Auto & Offroad – a Growing Patagonia Business
our community
One Stop Bookkeeping
our community
Nogales Tactical
our community
South32 Hermosa Difference | Clean Energy & Transport
our operations
Rock and Roll Roll-offs
our community
The Hermosa Difference: Redefining Environmental Accountability
our operations
Sonoita Hardware
our community
Giselle Lertique
Office Administrator
our team
The Hermosa Difference: Rethinking How We Process Zinc
our operations
Tracy Orton
Contract Specialist
our team
Stephanie Moreno
Specialist, Tribal Affairs
our team
The Hermosa Difference: Building Local Prosperity, One Vendor at a Time
our operations
Steve Switalski
Principal, Financial Analysis
our team
Sara King
Business Improvement Specialist
our team
Pio Ahumada
Water Treatment Technician
our team
Taylor Parker
Geochemist Specialist
our team
Billy Rucker
Environmental Technician
our team
Olivia Lira
Maintenance Planning Coordinator
our team
Javier Zazueta
Surveyor
our team
Christine Johnson
Facilities and Travel Specialist
our team
Roberto Garibay
Lead Exploration Field Technician
our team
South32 Hermosa Difference | Community Engagement
our operations
Brian Syers
Mine Planning Superintendent
our team
The Hermosa Difference: Planning A Safer, Smarter Mine from the Ground Up
our operations
Ember Flagg
Senior Underground Mine Geologist
our team
South32 Hermosa Difference | Tribal Relations
Juan Villegas
Water Treatment Plant Superintendent
our team
Kevin McCoy
Mine Planning Superintendent
our team

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