The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service issued the final record of decision for the Hermosa Critical Mineral Project, marking a major accomplishment in the agency’s effort to strengthen domestic mineral production.
South32 Hermosa Inc., an Australia-based mining and metals company, is proposing a $2.16 billion mining and processing operation in a historic mining district in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, near the U.S.– Mexico border. The project is expected to create up to 900 direct jobs and thousands more through indirect economic activity, with a goal of hiring 80 percent of its workforce locally.
'The Hermosa Critical Minerals Project shows how increasing domestic production can reduce our dependence on vulnerable foreign sources, and power modern industries, advanced technologies, and essential infrastructure,” said USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.
'With one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc resources and key minerals such as zinc and manganese, it's a strategic investment in America's energy and manufacturing future. This project will support nearly a thousand American jobs and bring billions to the local community.'
The Hermosa project represents a major economic and strategic opportunity for the United States. As home to one of the world’s largest undeveloped zinc resources and minerals essential for steel production and largecapacity batteries it is a critical investment in the nation’s energy and manufacturing future.
The project advances Executive Orders 14154 (Unleashing American Energy), 14156 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), and 14241 (Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production), by increasing domestic mineral production, reinforcing critical infrastructure, and ensuring reliable access to minerals needed for defense readiness and modern industry.
“The Coronado National Forest has successfully met all FAST-41 Act milestones. Issuance of the record of decision signals the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act process,” said Coronado National Forest Supervisor Kerwin S. Dewberry. “The next steps for South32 Hermosa include submitting the financial assurance and the final Mine Plan of Operations. The final authorization is scheduled to be issued on Sept. 4.”