Mitigation measures at hermosa
South32 is designing Hermosa from the ground up so that it is safer and more efficient than older mines. By combining state-of-the-art technology with best-in-class mining techniques we will deliver minerals America needs for its national and energy security. We incorporated over 135 mitigation and conservation efforts to proactively mitigate possible environmental impacts of our operations.
Key Efforts
Dry-Stack Tailings Facility Redesign to Avoid Sensitive Plants
Redesigned Hermosa’s dry-stack tailings facility footprint to avoid direct impacts to the endangered Beardless Chinchweed, rather than removing or mitigating after disturbance.
Springs, Seeps, and Groundwater Voluntary Monitoring
Committed to monitoring groundwater-dependent ecosystems, including surfacewater, wells, and regional groundwater connected springs and seeps, even where modeling shows no expected impact – going further than permit requirements.
Groundwater & Community Well Monitoring
Included a dedicated monitoring and mitigation plan for potentially impacted private and public groundwater production wells with predefined actions if impacts are detected.
Transmission Line Collocation to Reduce Habitat Fragmentation
Collocated portions of the 138-kV transmission line with the Primary Access Road to reduce surface disturbance and minimize habitat fragmentation.
Primary Access Road Wildlife Crossings
Redesigned the Primary Access Road to include five oversized underpasses to allow for equestrian and wildlife crossings, maintaining habitat and trail connectivity, and improving safety.
Recreational Road Pullouts for Public Use
Committed to building a designated pullout along the Primary Access Road to provide safe access for recreation, including hiking, equestrian use, and other forestactivities.
Dark-Sky Lighting Policy Developed with Whipple Observatory
Developed a site-wide lighting policy in coordination with Whipple Observatory to minimize light pollution, protect night skies, and reduce impacts on wildlife and nearby communities.
Infrastructure Relocation to Avoid Cultural Resources
Relocated roads and pipelines to avoid cultural resources identified through Tribal consultation.
Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Committed to developing and implementing an aquatic invasive species management plan to monitor and remove aquatic invasive species such as bullfrogs and crayfish from a portion of upper Sonoita Creek, Harshaw Creek, Goldbaum Canyon, and Mowry Wash.
