Overview
- The U.S. Forest Service issued a final Record of Decision in early July 2026 that completes the federal environmental review and allows South32 to move forward with full development plans for the Hermosa project.
- South32 is planning a roughly $3.3 billion underground mine and processing complex that targets zinc and manganese and would also produce silver and lead, with first production now expected in the second half of fiscal 2028.
- Hermosa kept its FAST‑41 fast‑track permitting designation and drew public backing from federal officials and the Pentagon as part of a push to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals.
- State reviews by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and continued opposition from local communities and environmental groups focus on water use and air quality and could impose conditions or delays on the project.
- Beyond local impacts, the project promises roughly 900 direct jobs and aims to supply minerals used in steel and some battery chemistries, but analysts warn cost escalation and volatile commodity prices could affect the timeline and economics.