“You take the fact that you can do this at a mine from the ground up—something that hasn’t been designed at all. So you get to start from scratch… and really think outside the box on what all could be done and how the mine could be operated.”
– Kevin McCoy, Mine Planning Superintendent
Behind every responsible mining operation is a plan, and at South32 Hermosa, that plan starts with innovation and a lasting approach to responsible development.
Mine planning at Hermosa is about efficiency and engineering, but it is also about designing a modern underground mine that can meet the demands of today’s world while respecting the unique landscape and community that surrounds it.
With a complex ore body and a small environmental footprint, South32’s challenges at Hermosa are real—but so are the opportunities. By rethinking traditional approaches, the planning team is creating a pathway for safe, responsible mineral production that supports both the operation and Santa Cruz County.
The mine plan is central to everything South32 is working to achieve. It’s the blueprint that guides how metals are extracted and how value flows back into the community, through local jobs, technology investments, and environmental care.
Because Hermosa is being developed in today’s era of advanced technology, the team can design smarter from the start. That includes integrating automation and connectivity that remove people from hazardous environments and enable remote operations through Centro, Hermosa’s remote operating center in Nogales.
The underground network being designed will support not just automation, but also real-time data tracking, equipment control, and safety monitoring and will offer a level of precision and protection that’s essential in a modern mining environment.
Hermosa is also planning to deploy battery electric vehicles (BEVs) underground. While BEVs are often discussed in the context of reducing ventilation needs, the team here is thinking even bigger—evaluating them for cleaner air, better performance, and lower operational costs.
Everything, from the layout of tunnels to the schedule of extraction, is designed with South32’s vision in mind. The Hermosa mine planning team is responsible for creating the roadmap that makes it all possible: the jobs, the innovations, and the investments in the community.
At the heart of this approach is a deep level of care. Planning a mine from scratch allows teams to be thoughtful at every step—constantly iterating and refining based on the latest information to make the best decisions for both the operation and the surrounding community.
The result? A smarter, more responsible mine plan that reflects the Hermosa Difference—turning complex challenges into meaningful opportunities.