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."
"The concept is: the earlier you engage with deliberate intent that you want to design a project that's less impactful... you have to start really, really early so it's robust and meaningful consultation."
"For most of my mining career, we just didn't tell our story in the industry... It was more about not being seen than telling your story, and so I think that's changing—and I think it has to change."
"We had to address the historical challenges around our industry that have made it less acceptable to society, and that's where the 'different kind of mine' piece goes in."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail: rob@mining-international.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast
Web: http://www.mining-international.org
GUEST RESOURCES
● Social
○ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/south32-hermosa/
○ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/South32Hermosa
○ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@south32ltd
● Website: https://www.south32hermosa.com/en_us
● Contact/Email: media@south32hermosa.com
CONTACT METHOD
rob@mining-international.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
Podcast Description
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
