Centro: Developing A state-of-the-art remote operations center
We are designing the Hermosa project with state-of-the-art technology to make it safer and more sustainable than older mines. This includes extensive use of automation technology, with part of our operations running remotely at Centro in Nogales, Arizona.
It is essentially a command center, where our employees will remotely monitor mining equipment located at our mine site in the Patagonia Mountains from a commercial building that accommodates them and the technology they need in a comfortable, office-like setting.
Complex construction began in 2024. Once completed, Centro will:
- Host around 200 full-time employees over several shifts in a 24-hour period.
- Be part of a nine-acre complex that will also include an employee parking lot, a bus station for our employee park & ride service to take employees to other sites, and a garden.
Locating Centro in Nogales enables us to deliver on our commitment to ensure the benefits of the project stay in the Santa Cruz County area by:
Creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for Santa Cruz County residents, including those without prior mining experience or who have historically been excluded from the industry.
- Our target is to hire 80% of all South 32 Hermosa employees from Santa Cruz County.
- Each job will generate labor income equal to 2x the average household income in Santa Cruz County.
Creating opportunities to train the local workforce in new technical fields.
Increasing the county's tax revenue to help fund public schools and services and increase opportunities for local businesses.
Enhancing safety and productivity by using automation, which is integral to sustainable operations.
Reducing commuter traffic to and from our mine site, as well as help build out local roads and infrastructure in the surrounding area.
