ARIZONA – In Southern Arizona, within the historic mining district of the Patagonia Mountains, a company called South32 plans on changing the U.S. future with a colossal reserve, White Gold.
The project, officially known as the Hermose project, has a reserve of two particular elements that have the potential to power the U.S.’s energy future, both are domestic supply and production.
The Hermosa project is the only advanced project of its kind in the U.S. that will potentially produce two federally assigned critical minerals, manganese and zinc. Hermosa also includes reserves of copper, silver, and lead. These critical minerals are crucial to exploit everything from renewables to lithium-ion batteries, pipes, and plumbing components.
According to South32, the mine has an estimated life of 30 years, with a reserve of 4 million tonnes of ore to mine during its operational life. South32 has the following goals for its Hermosa project:
- Improve the critical mineral domestic supply
- Boost the local economy
- Enhance Santa Cruz County and the local community’s livelihood
- Set a new standard for sustainable mining
Setting a new standard for sustainable mining
According to Axios, this is how South32 plans on running a net-zero mining operation:
- Using battery electric equipment fleets underground
- A mine design to keep disturbance minimal
- Only use 750 acres throughout the mine’s life
- Sourcing and training 80% of the workforce from the local community
- Using 90% less water than other operations in the surrounding region
Criticism is unavoidable
According to AZ Luminaria, since operations have begun, water samples have indicated increased levels of iron, lead, zinc, sulfate, and manganese. The treated water is being discharged into the Harshaw Creek. A local hydrologist, Chris Gardner, has raised concerns about the Hermosa project’s negative impact on the region’s water resources. The discharged water has more than the waterway usually carries, resulting in the contaminating substances naturally dissolving from the stream and leaching into the groundwater.
This colossal find will significantly boost the U.S.’s domestic supply of critical minerals, assisting the nation’s transition to renewables, boosting its national security, and supporting local high-tech industries. Overall, the massive reserve will be highly advantageous to the country, but as with all mining projects, careful management and appropriate environmental regulations are vital to ensure not only the well-being of the surrounding environment, but the surrounding local communities as well.
Final Thoughts:
The discovery of four million tons of “White Gold” in Southern Arizona could reshape America’s future in renewable energy and critical mineral independence. South32’s Hermosa project presents a powerful opportunity to strengthen domestic supply chains, boost local jobs, and advance cleaner technologies. However, responsible development is key. If the company truly delivers on its plans for sustainable operations, this mine could become a model for modern mining.
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FAQs:
1. What is “White Gold” in the context of the Hermosa project?
In this case, “White Gold” refers to critical minerals like manganese and zinc, which are essential for renewable energy technologies, batteries, and infrastructure.
2. How will the Hermosa project impact local communities?
South32 plans to hire 80% of its workforce locally and operate with reduced land use and water consumption. However, residents have expressed concerns about potential water contamination, making continued monitoring essential.
