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South32 has secured the final federal approval required to advance its Hermosa project in Arizona, enabling development beyond privately owned land and paving the way for new infrastructure, environmental commitments and long-term economic investment.
Hermosa project reaches major permitting milestone
South32 has received the U.S. Forest Service’s Final Record of Decision (ROD) for its Hermosa project in Arizona, completing the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process required to develop the mine on adjacent federal land.
The approval allows the company to move into the next phase of the project by constructing key infrastructure beyond its privately held land, including a primary access road, a secondary dry-stack tailings facility and a connection to the power network.
Infrastructure development moves forward
Completion of the federal permitting process enables South32 to progress essential infrastructure needed to support the mine’s development and future operations.
The project will include a surface footprint of approximately 750 acres (around 300 hectares) and has been designed to use approximately 90 per cent less water than other mines in the region, according to the company.
Environmental review shapes project design
South32 said years of environmental assessment, agency review, Tribal consultation and community engagement helped refine the project’s design.
“From the beginning, we designed Hermosa to be a different kind of mine, and the federal review process helped make it even better,” said Pat Risner, President, Hermosa, South32.
“Years of agency review, Tribal consultation and community engagement strengthened environmental protections, informed project refinements and shaped a project that can transform the local economy. We are grateful to everyone who participated throughout the process and look forward to continuing that engagement as we move from construction and development into operations.”
During the review process, South32 redesigned elements of the project, including modifying the tailings facility to avoid sensitive plant species and redesigning the access road to reduce traffic through the nearby town of Patagonia. The company also committed to more than 135 conservation, mitigation and monitoring measures, many of which will become federally enforceable.
FAST-41 designation supports permitting process
Hermosa was the first mining project to be covered under the FAST-41 federal programme, which coordinates environmental reviews for major infrastructure developments in the United States.
The review included more than 120 days of public consultation, involvement from six federal and state agencies, and consultation with 12 Tribes with historic connections to the region.
Economic benefits for Arizona communities
Once operational, Hermosa is expected to create up to 900 jobs during peak operations while supporting long-term investment across surrounding communities.
“The Final Record of Decision for Hermosa is another important milestone for Nogales. It reflects years of collaboration to ensure the Hermosa project is developed in a way that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship,” said Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado.
He added that South32’s investment extends beyond the mine itself, highlighting initiatives such as the Centro remote operating centre in Nogales.
“Hermosa has the potential to create new opportunities to support good-paying jobs and help ensure that more of our young people can build successful careers right here at home, and we appreciate South32’s commitment to developing Hermosa responsibly while creating opportunities for local families, students and businesses.”
Supporting the next generation of mining
South32 said the Hermosa project forms part of its strategy to responsibly develop the minerals and metals needed for the global energy transition while delivering long-term economic and community benefits.
The company operates mining and metals assets across the Americas, Australia and Southern Africa and continues to invest in the responsible development of its next generation of mining projects.
This article was produced by the editorial team at Mining Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
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