FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In recognition of National Pollinator Week, South32 Hermosa today announced a contract with Tucson Bird Alliance to restore five acres of habitat in the Town of Patagonia, creating new pollinator habitat, improving watershed function, and expanding opportunities for conservation, education, and community engagement.
The restoration effort is being designed and implemented by Tucson Bird Alliance, one of Arizona's leading conservation organizations, whose expertise in habitat restoration and wildlife conservation will help guide the project from planning through completion. Located near the confluence of Harshaw and Sonoita Creeks, the restoration site will transform previously disturbed private land into a functioning ecosystem supporting pollinators and other native wildlife.
“This project is about creating something that benefits both people and nature,” said Maggie Blais, Principal Biodiversity & Permitting with South32 Hermosa. “By partnering with Tucson Bird Alliance, we're creating pollinator habitat in the Town of Patagonia while creating a space where residents and visitors can experience the incredible biodiversity that makes this region so special.”
“Preserving biodiversity in this region requires a concerted effort from all sectors,” said Kari Hackney, Director of Habitat Stewardship at Tucson Bird Alliance. “Whether it's a homeowner, a developer or a company like South32, we believe everyone has a role to play in supporting wildlife and pollinators.”
“Tucson Bird Alliance believes that extractive industry has a responsibility to mitigate, in real time and in real ways, the environmental impact of their operations,” said Melissa Fratello, Executive Director at Tucson Bird Alliance. “In biodiversity hotspots like the Patagonia Mountains and Sonoita Creek Watershed, immediate mitigation is critical to preserving native flora and fauna. We are working with South32 to ensure that the restoration work done on this property is executed to the highest standards in terms of ecological function, and hope South32 will continue to find ways to meaningfully support the many conservation groups working to benefit this precious and unique place.”
The pollinator project is part of South32's broader sustainability commitment to achieving “no net loss of biodiversity” – meaning Hermosa is being designed in a way to avoid, minimize and restore habitat to the fullest extent possible with anything left over being offset.
The restoration project will restore ecological function to the property with sacaton grassland and mesquite bosque to improve hydrologic function, invasive species removal, and habitat features that provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, Monarchs, hummingbirds, bats, and other pollinator species critical to the health of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Future plans also include walking trails and features that will allow residents and visitors to experience the restoration firsthand.
Started in 2025, construction and restoration activities are already underway, including invasive species treatment, earth works to create passive water harvesting basins, native plant propagation, and trail planning. The project is expected to continue through 2027, with additional habitat enhancements, continued invasive species management, and informative signage continuing into subsequent years.
The Pollinator & Restoration Project is one of more than 135 conservation and mitigation initiatives South32 Hermosa is undertaking as part of its sustainability commitments. Upon completion, South32 plans to pursue third-party conservation certifications that recognize the project's restoration and habitat management outcomes.
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About South32 Hermosa
Located in a historic mining district in the Patagonia Mountains of Southern Arizona, South32 Hermosa is currently the only advanced mine development project in the United States that could produce up to five federally designated critical minerals — including zinc and manganese — both of which are essential minerals for powering the nation’s energy future. Learn more at www.south32hermosa.com.Hermosa is a polymetallic development comprised of a zinc-lead-silver sulfide deposit, a battery-grade manganese deposit and an extensive, highly prospective land package with the potential for further polymetallic and copper mineralization.
About Tucson Bird Alliance
Founded in 1949, Tucson Bird Alliance is Southeast Arizona’s leading non-profit engaging people in the conservation of birds and their habitats. We involve people through recreational birding, extend their horizons through education activities, and engage them in conservation actions from planting trees and counting birds, to working with local, state, and national policy makers. Learn more at https://tucsonbirds.org/.
Media relations
Lina Betancourt
+1 514-210-1822
Lina.Betancourt@south32.net
