By Abbas Nazil
The U.S. Forest Service announced plans to approve the Hermosa critical minerals mining project near Patagonia, Arizona, despite growing environmental concerns from residents and conservation groups.
The project, owned by Australian mining company South32, would extract zinc, lead, and silver, minerals considered vital for energy technologies and national security.
Federal officials described the $2 billion development as a strategic investment supporting America’s energy transition and domestic supply of essential minerals.
If approved, Hermosa would become the first mine designated under a streamlined federal permitting process aimed at accelerating large infrastructure and energy projects.
Construction is already about 50 percent complete on private land at the site, while final federal approval is required for facilities planned on nearby public land.
The mine is located in Arizona’s Sky Islands region, a mountain ecosystem known for exceptional biodiversity and wildlife corridors connecting North American and Mexican habitats.
Environmental groups warn that the project could threaten endangered species, including jaguars and Mexican spotted owls, and transform the area into a decades-long industrial mining complex.
The final environmental impact statement identified at least twelve endangered species that could be negatively affected by the mine’s construction and operations.
Local governments in Patagonia, Nogales, and Santa Cruz County are negotiating agreements with South32 to secure funding for infrastructure and community protections.
South32 has pledged an initial $4 million to support local services as part of a broader Community Protection and Benefits Agreement still under development.
Water use and contamination risks remain the biggest concern for residents living near the mine.
Before mining can begin, the company must pump millions of gallons of groundwater from an aquifer that lies above the mineral deposits.
Some of that water contains naturally occurring toxic elements such as antimony and selenium, which must be treated before being released into nearby Harshaw Creek.
State regulators are investigating whether the mine exceeded allowable limits for certain contaminants and failed to properly report some water quality violations.
Hydrologists also warn that pumping water from the aquifer for decades could lower groundwater levels across nearly fifty square miles.
According to federal estimates, the mine could remove about 195,000 acre-feet of groundwater during its projected seventy-year lifespan.
The Forest Service has opened a 45-day public objection period before making a final decision, which is expected by July.
