The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) today released Hermosa’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Draft Record of Decision (ROD) that indicates the agency would approve of Hermosa’s development onto National Forest Service land, following years of environmental study, public input, and interagency consultation.
The Draft ROD signals the Forest Service’s intent to authorize Hermosa and it from review toward final authorization later this year. The agency’s decision is supported by the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and other studies, information and analyses, which were released alongside the FEIS.
Final authorization would enable South32 to fully develop the project beyond its privately held land, including building ancillary infrastructure such as a primary access road, a secondary dry-stack tailings facility and allowing UNSE (UniSource Energy Services) to build the portion of a 138kv power line to be on Coronado National Forest land.
Hermosa is an advanced mining project in Southern Arizona capable of producing up to five federally designated critical minerals, including zinc, silver and manganese. It was the first mining project added to, and covered under, the federal FAST-41 permitting program, a process reserved for infrastructure projects that must meet certain, rigorous criteria to demonstrate how they will benefit the nation.
“This Draft Record of Decision reflects years of listening, collaboration, and real changes shaped by community input,” said Pat Risner, Hermosa President. “This draft decision affirms our design and development approach including mitigation measures as described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement that were informed through agency and public consultation..”
As a part of South32’s federal permitting process, the USFS conducted a thorough, independent analysis of Hermosa’s Mine Plan of Operations, released in 2024, along with baseline data the project has been collecting for years and public input gathered during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public comment process.
After robust reviews and analyses of Hermosa’s possible environmental impacts, the Final Environmental Impact Statement determined that the selected alternative identified by the agency best meets the purpose and need of fully developing the project while minimizing environmental impacts.
The selected alternative identified by the USFS includes the construction of a primary access road to avoid traffic near the town of Patagonia, a portion of a 138kv power line (to be constructed by UNSE), a dry-stack tailings facility updated in the latest Mine Plan of Operations, and direct water discharge high in the Patagonia Mountains to recharge the aquifer and provide water for wildlife. A video overview of South32’s proposed expansion of ancillary infrastructure onto Forest Service lands is available here.
The agency determined that its selected alternative would result in the least surface disturbance on National Forest Service lands, a more compact project footprint, and fewer impacts to air quality, water resources, cultural sites, recreation, wildlife habitat, and nearby communities compared to other action alternatives.
South32 already obtained all required state permits from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) needed to develop Hermosa’s initial surface infrastructure that lies on private lands.
“This outcome reflects a thorough, transparent process that affirms South32 Hermosa’s design and commitments are compatible with the long-term management of public lands and sets the stage for the final authorization process ahead,” said Brent Musslewhite, Hermosa Director of Environment and Permitting. “The findings show the federal government’s independent review is working as intended and produced a decision grounded in science and public input.”
In addition to regulatory requirements, South32 has committed to nearly 140 additional conservation, mitigation, and monitoring measures developed in collaboration with federal agencies, Tribes, and community stakeholders. Over the life of the project, South32 will operate Hermosa under an adaptive management framework and a no-net-loss of biodiversity standard, permitting environmental protections to evolve alongside monitoring data and scientific understanding.
These commitments provide a strong, concrete baseline for ongoing Community Protection and Benefits Agreement discussions with local governments.
The Draft ROD initiates a formal 45-day objection and subsequent 45-day resolution period, providing an additional opportunity for eligible parties to raise concerns for the Forest Service to consider before issuing a final decision. South32 remains committed to open dialogue, continued engagement, and working constructively with agencies and communities as the process moves toward a Final Record of Decision, expected in July.
With a surface footprint of 750 acres and projected to use approximately 90% less water than other mines in the region, South32 designed Hermosa to minimize its environmental impact. Once in operation, Hermosa would help transform and grow the local economy and create up to 900 good-paying jobs, during peak operations, and support investment across surrounding communities for decades to come.
Should community members have any questions, please feel free to contact askhermosa@south32.net, visit the FAST-41 dashboard to track Hermosa permitting in real time or visit the newly redesigned Hermosa website at www.south32hermosa.com.
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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.
Media relations
Lina Betancourt
+1 514-210-1822
Lina.Betancourt@south32.net
