Episode
Redefining Critical Minerals, Safety, and Community Engagement at Hermosa
- Podcast
- Dig Deep
- Published
- Aug 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2175
- Processing state
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- https://traffic.megaphone.fm/USVL7584100448.mp3
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Summary
In this episode we speak to Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa project in Arizona who are advancing a multi-metal critical minerals development in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona targeting zinc, manganese, silver, lead, and copper. In this conversation we discuss what makes Hermosa such a strategically important project, the recent progress on permitting, and why Pat describes it as "a different kind of mine." We'll also explore his leadership journey, the company's approach to safety, community and Tribal engagement, the role of innovation and remote operations, and what the mining industry needs to do to develop the next generation of talent. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Hermosa project has the potential to produce up to five critical minerals including zinc, manganese, and copper, helping address supply chain vulnerabilities and foreign reliance for the United States. By design, Hermosa minimises its environmental footprint using 90% less water than traditional historical operations, a battery-electric underground fleet, and a total land disturbance of just 700 acres over up to 70 years of operation. South32 established relationships with local communities and native tribes four to five years prior to submitting permit applications, allowing stakeholder input to directly shape project design and avoid cultural or environmental impacts. By placing its remote operating facility (Centro) in Nogales, the project removes traditional mining employment barriers and supports a goal of a minimum 80% local workforce. BEST MOMENTS "We all guarantee everyone goes home safe and well... 'Guarantee' is a very emotive, provocative word when we talk about safety in mining, but that's deliberate. It's on purpose; it drives and ensures we have the right conversations." "…