US Forest Service Greenlights South32 Mine Expansion

U.S. Forest Service Proposes Expansion of South32 Hermosa Mine: Environmental Groups Vow to Fight

The U.S. Forest Service has released a draft decision allowing the expansion of the South32 Hermosa critical minerals mine onto Coronado National Forest land near Patagonia. The project includes a new access road, power line, and second tailings stack for the mine in the Patagonia Mountains. The agency also issued its final environmental impact statement, starting a 45-day objection period ending April 20th.

South32 plans to extract battery-grade manganese, silver, lead, and copper over the mines potential 70-year lifespan. The company claims upgrades will reduce traffic, lower emissions, and extend operations. They also received approval for discharging treated water from the mine into nearby creeks and washes to recharge the aquifer.

Environmental groups, including the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity, are preparing to challenge the plans. Critics highlight massive water use, threats to clean water, air, wildlife, and landscapes from new infrastructure.

South32 argues they have taken steps to protect the environment, such as redesigning the tailings stack to protect endangered plants, combining roads and lines to limit habitat loss, adding wildlife crossings, and cutting light pollution. They also plan extra monitoring for wells and springs beyond requirements.

Officials expect a final decision in July, another objection window, and a notice to proceed by early September. Construction continues on private land, with documents available online for public review.

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