Finnish technology company Normet has secured a contract to provide an ancillary underground equipment fleet for South32’s Hermosa project, located in a mining district in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona, US.
The Hermosa project is the first critical minerals mining project added to the US’ FAST-41 permitting process.
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The project has the potential to be among the largest zinc producers in the world, with first production expected in 2027.
Normet will supply 35 mobile equipment units featuring the company’s SmartDrive battery-electric machinery, and nine power delivery systems.
The fleet will comprise various equipment such as the Multimec MF 100 SD multi-functional carrier, Utimec MF 500 SD Transmixers and Utimec MF 205 PER SD personnel carriers.
Additionally, the Charmec MF 605 V LE SD explosive charger, scissor lifts, shotcrete sprayers and other essential machinery for underground operations will be delivered.
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By GlobalDataThe delivery of these units is expected to start in 2026 and extend through to 2030.
South32 recently held the ground-breaking ceremony for Centro, Hermosa’s advanced remote operating centre.
Centro will support mining operations by allowing staff to use advanced automation technology to remotely control and monitor equipment 25 miles underground from an office-like environment.
The facility will accommodate approximately 200 full-time employees working across multiple shifts within a 24-hour period.
In addition to operational roles, Centro will also host professionals in engineering, geoscience, environmental science, human resources, supply chain management and various other areas.
In February 2024, South32 secured board approval to spend $2.16bn (A$3.38bn) to develop the zinc-lead-silver deposit at the Hermosa project.
The project will bolster future development of other deposits at the site, including the battery-grade manganese deposit.
