Community Commitment
South32 is committed to making a positive difference through long-term community investment and ongoing collaboration across Santa Cruz County.
Community Protection & Benefits Agreement (CPBA) establishes enforceable commitments, community protections,and shared benefits shaped in part through public participation.
The CPBA is a legally binding agreement between South32 and local governments that defines how Hermosa will be developed responsibly – now and into the future.
CPBA: A Shared Accountability Framework
Clear protections
Defines enforceable protections – including monitoring and mitigation – across environmental, public health, and community priorities.
Defined community benefits
Establishes how financial and programmatic benefits are identified and prioritized based on needs and ongoing input.
Structured community input
Creates formal engagement processes, including surveys, focus groups, and feedback groups to inform development and ongoing updates.
Long-term accountability
Provides a phased, governance-based framework that supports accountability over time while allowing it to evolve with community needs.
Investing in our community
South32 aims to make a lasting contribution through social investment that improves quality of life in Santa Cruz County. Through the South32 Hermosa Community Fund, South32 supports nonprofits, schools, and programs that strengthen the community.
Community Investment to Date
$1.5M
Awarded to nonprofit organizations through the South32 Hermosa Community Fund since its inception in 2019.
164
Grants awarded to support across education, arts, health, environment, and civic enhancement.
$7.6M
Invested in social service improvements in Hermosa communities since 2018, including STEM education programs.
Community Advisory Panel
The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) is an independent panel of community members with diverse perspectives that provides input and guidance on aspects of Hermosa that may impact Santa Cruz County communities.
