FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2025
South32 Hermosa today released updated, full-color renderings of Centro, providing a more detailed vision of Hermosa’s remote operations center located in Nogales. The updated visuals signal design refinement since the project’s official groundbreaking earlier this year.
“These new renderings bring our vision for Centro to life in a way we haven’t shown before,” said Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa. “They offer an amazing look into what this facility will look like. We’re excited to continue our progress to building something lasting and meaningful here in Santa Cruz County.”
Centro will support Hermosa’s innovative and responsible approach to mining, using advanced automation to enhance both safety and productivity. The facility was designed to weave elements of the Southern Arizona landscape and the rich design history of the local community, including inspiration from the Nogales Public Library and other landmarks. These renderings now bring to life that vision, showcasing a design that nests into the horizon lines of the site and topography of the surrounding area.
Centro will house approximately 200 full-time employees across multiple shifts, operating 24/7. Workers will use advanced automation and digital systems to remotely monitor and manage underground and surface equipment at Hermosa in the Patagonia Mountains. Sandvik and Normet, global leaders in mining technology, will supply the battery-electric vehicles for Hermosa’s future underground fleet. Their equipment will help reduce emissions, lower noice levels, and improve underground air quality, which are key factors in advancing one of the most sustainable mining projects in North America.
In addition to remote operations, Centro will serve as a base for professionals in engineering, geoscience, environmental science, finance, human resources, supply chain, and other technical and functional roles that support Hermosa. It represents a meaningful investment in high-skilled, good-paying jobs for local residents; helping to provide opportunities to reduce talent flight and strengthen long-term community development. Centro also reflects South32’s broader commitment to expanding access—creating pathways for individuals from historically excluded and underrepresented groups to build lasting careers in mining.
In April 2025, South32 broke ground on Centro alongside Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Tribal representatives and other community and state leaders, marking a major step forward in advancing Hermosa’s long-term vision for sustainable mining and regional economic growth. The groundbreaking event was a celebration of local partnerships and South32’s commitment to creating shared value in Santa Cruz County.
“Centro represents innovation in mining, a commitment to sustainability, and an investment in Southern Arizona that will deliver high-quality, well-paying jobs to Arizonans for generations to come,” said Governor Katie Hobbs during the ceremony.
Construction is now underway on the Mariposa Ranch Road extension, an important infrastructure milestone that will improve access to Centro and support broader Hermosa project logistics. Centro will be part of a 10-acre complex that includes an employee parking lot and a bus station for park-and-ride service to the project site, with construction expected to continue through 2027.
For a full video flyover of the facility design, click here.
###
About South32 Hermosa
Located in a historic mining district in the Patagonia Mountains of Southern Arizona, Hermosa is currently the only advanced mine development project in the United States that could produce two federally designated critical minerals — manganese and zinc — both of which are essential minerals for powering the nation’s energy future. Learn more at www.south32hermosa.com.
Hermosa is a polymetallic development comprised of a zinc-lead-silver sulfide deposit, a battery-grade manganese deposit and an extensive, highly prospective land package with the potential for further polymetallic and copper mineralization.
Media Relations
Taja Vivens Lina Betancourt
M +1 520-425-3471 M +1 514-210-1822