The Hermosa Mine outside of Patagonia, Arizona is expected to contribute $676 million annually into Arizona’s economy as one of the world’s biggest producers of zinc.
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company with operations in Australia, Southern Africa, South America and now North America, with the addition of Hermosa Mine near Patagonia, Arizona. Hermosa, one of the most exciting base metals project in the industry, is expected to become one of the world’s biggest producers of zinc. The mine also is expected to produce significant amounts of lead and silver, along with manganese, and a concentration of copper also has been found in some areas.
According to an economic-impact report released by Arizona State University, the Hermosa Project is expected to have an average of 451 employees over a project lifespan now expected to last until 2049, with a peak of 525 workers, and those jobs will support an average of 3,225 other private, nonfarm jobs. Over its projected 32-year life, the mine is expected to add more than $21 billion to the state gross domestic product, adding $676 million annually into Arizona’s economy.
Hermosa provides the opportunity to leverage the underground mining and processing methods South32 uses at its Cannington operation in Queensland, Australia. South32 works in collaboration with its host communities to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic benefit. The company’s sustainability approach and actions aim to create positive change by supporting local health and well-being, quality education, economic growth, industry innovation, climate action, responsible consumption and production and life on the land.
From left: Denise Bowden and Diana Marquez at South32’s Patagonia Office and Visitor Center.
South32 is a major sponsor of Mat Bevel Company’s educational world-building course called The Universe Within. Their support has been a critical component in helping a small team to develop 32 hours of curriculum that will benefit 26 third and fourth graders at Patagonia Public Schools. Lessons have been designed to increase student’s creative intelligence using the educational industry’s best practices as well as creative play from Mat Bevel Company President Ned Schaper magical world of Beveldom and his lifelong Available Resource Technology (A.R.T.) creative training practices. The course will be taught beginning in early March by science and math teacher David Clovesko-Wharton.
According to Greg Lucero, vice president of community and government affairs for South32, “We support Mat Bevel Company because we believe that this innovative curriculum will cultivate creativity and innovation in students who participate in the program. Our goal is to employ local talent and thereby offer the community economic opportunities. Having a workforce that can innovate and solve problems is critical to our success.”
You can visit the South32 Visitor’s Center at 303 McKweon Avenue in Patagonia or their main office in Tucson located at 2210 E. Fort Lowell Road. Learn more about South32 at their website: https://www.south32.net.