Coronado National Forest (FS) has begun work on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) for the South32 Hermosa Critical Minerals Project. This EIS is required because South32 intends to expand mining on their private lands in the Patagonia Mountains into the public Coronado Forest. The proposed project will impact surface disturbance on 480.5 acres, underground disturbance of 223 acres, and restricted access to 343.4 acres.

The EIS will outline the status of the environment in the affected area, provide a baseline for understanding the potential consequences of the proposed project, identify positive and negative effects for the environment, and offer alternative actions or inaction.

For those concerned about the potential environmental impacts of the Hermosa Project—that is, water depletion and/or quality, air pollution, traffic, loss of critical habitats and recreational use—it is imperative to get your comments to the FS during the Scoping Window. There may be additional comment periods down the road; however, objections to the final EIS and draft record of decision will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written comments on the project during the scoping period. Issues raised on objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments on the project unless based on new information afterward.

The FS opened a Scoping Window on May 10, which was the first step in preparing the EIS and the first opportunity for the public to submit comments and concerns about the impacts of the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project. The opportunity to comment during the scoping period will end on June 10, one second before midnight Mountain Standard Time. Comments can be submitted online using the Public Comment Form at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=65668.

Written comments may be submitted via mail or hand delivery (Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, excluding weekends and Memorial Day) to:

      Kerwin S. Dewberry, Forest Supervisor
      Coronado National Forest
      ATTN: Hermosa Critical Minerals Project
      300 West Congress Street
      Tucson, AZ, 85701

Written comments may also be submitted during the public scoping meetings:

  • May 20, 2024, 4:30–6:30pm, Patagonia Union High School, 200 Naugle Ave, Patagonia
  • May 21, 2024, 4:30–6:30pm, Hotel Americana, 639 N Grand Ave, Nogales