South32 issues Hermosa project update

The Hermosa project is currently the only advanced project in the United States that could supply two federally designated critical minerals, zinc and manganese. Including the Hermosa project on the FAST-41 dashboard is expected to create a more efficient and transparent process, supporting the attainment of federal permits required for the later years of the proposed development of the Taylor and Clark deposits at Hermosa.

The company now expect to complete the feasibility study for the Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit in 2H23, as it undertakes additional engineering studies to align the mine development schedule for a federal permitting process under FAST-41 and incorporate current market cost estimates. Separately, the current phase of study work for the Clark battery-grade manganese deposit has confirmed its potential to supply battery-grade material to the rapidly forming North American electric vehicle supply chain.

Study work will now progress to a definition phase pre-feasibility study, including the provision of sample qualification product to potential customers with pilot plant production having commenced in recent weeks.

South32 Chief Executive Officer Graham Kerr said: “The inclusion of Hermosa as the first mining project added to the FAST-41 process is an important milestone that recognises the project’s potential to strengthen the domestic supply of critical minerals in the US.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/15052023/south32-issues-hermosa-project-update/