Tuesday, July 14, 2026
USDA Approves Record of Decision for Hermosa Critical Mineral Project in Arizona
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has issued the final record of decision for the Hermosa Critical Mineral Project in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, completing the environmental review process for the proposed mining operation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has issued the final record of decision for the Hermosa Critical Mineral Project in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, completing the environmental review process for the proposed mining operation.
South32 Hermosa Inc., an Australia-based mining and metals company, plans to develop a $2.16 billion mining and processing operation in a historic mining district near the U.S.-Mexico border. The company said the project is expected to create up to 900 direct jobs and additional jobs through related economic activity, with a goal of hiring 80% of its workforce locally.
"President Trump has launched an all of government mandate to strengthen and secure America's critical minerals supply chains. The Hermosa Critical Minerals Project shows how increasing domestic production can reduce our dependence on vulnerable foreign sources, and power modern industries, advanced technologies, and essential infrastructure," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. "With one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc resources and key minerals such as zinc and manganese, it's a strategic investment in America's energy and manufacturing future. This project will support nearly a thousand American jobs and bring billions to the local community. We will continue to move at Trump speed responsibly approving these projects to support economic stability, and enhance national security."
The Forest Service said the project contains zinc and manganese resources used in steel production and battery manufacturing. The agency said the project supports federal efforts to increase domestic mineral production and reduce reliance on imported minerals.
"The Coronado National Forest has successfully met all FAST-41 Act milestones. Issuance of the record of decision signals the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act process," said Coronado National Forest Supervisor Kerwin S. Dewberry. "The next steps for South32 Hermosa include submitting the financial assurance and the final Mine Plan of Operations. The final authorization is scheduled to be issued on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026."
The Forest Service said the final environmental impact statement, record of decision and related documents are available on the project's website.
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
South32 Hermosa Inc., an Australia-based mining and metals company, plans to develop a $2.16 billion mining and processing operation in a historic mining district near the U.S.-Mexico border. The company said the project is expected to create up to 900 direct jobs and additional jobs through related economic activity, with a goal of hiring 80% of its workforce locally.
"President Trump has launched an all of government mandate to strengthen and secure America's critical minerals supply chains. The Hermosa Critical Minerals Project shows how increasing domestic production can reduce our dependence on vulnerable foreign sources, and power modern industries, advanced technologies, and essential infrastructure," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. "With one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc resources and key minerals such as zinc and manganese, it's a strategic investment in America's energy and manufacturing future. This project will support nearly a thousand American jobs and bring billions to the local community. We will continue to move at Trump speed responsibly approving these projects to support economic stability, and enhance national security."
The Forest Service said the project contains zinc and manganese resources used in steel production and battery manufacturing. The agency said the project supports federal efforts to increase domestic mineral production and reduce reliance on imported minerals.
"The Coronado National Forest has successfully met all FAST-41 Act milestones. Issuance of the record of decision signals the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act process," said Coronado National Forest Supervisor Kerwin S. Dewberry. "The next steps for South32 Hermosa include submitting the financial assurance and the final Mine Plan of Operations. The final authorization is scheduled to be issued on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026."
The Forest Service said the final environmental impact statement, record of decision and related documents are available on the project's website.
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
