7th Jul 2026 04:31
(Alliance News) - South32 Ltd is set to receive US authorisation on Tuesday for its planned USD2 billion zinc and manganese mine within its Hermosa project in Arizona, according to a Bloomberg report citing a statement from the US Forest Service.
Bloomberg said the US Department of Agriculture agency intends to issue a record of decision approving the project near the Mexico border, following fast‑track permitting granted earlier in the Trump administration.
The mine contains one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc deposits alongside other minerals critical for steelmaking and large‑capacity batteries according to the USDA.
The accelerated approval aligns with US President Donald Trump's push to strengthen US supply chains and reduce reliance on China for processed critical minerals.
"The Hermosa Critical Minerals Project shows how increasing domestic production can reduce our dependence on vulnerable foreign sources, and power modern industries, advanced technologies, and essential infrastructure," Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement.
The Perth, Australia-based diversified mining company expects the Patagonia Mountains operation, the site of its Hermosa project, about 80 kilometres southeast of Tucson, to reach full production by 2029.
The Forest Service said the project is securing its permit two months ahead of a federal environmental law deadline, reflecting the administration's commitment to moving strategic projects forward responsibly and quickly.
Shares in South32 were down 1.4% at AUD4.12 in Sydney on Tuesday and ended 0.9% higher at 218.80 pence in London on Monday.
By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific
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