Story updated on May 9, 2024 with new information:

Construction of a massive, $2 billion underground mine is currently underway in Santa Cruz County.

It's called the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project. South32 is looking to build a mine primarily on private land in the Patagonia Mountains.

The company says the project is currently the only advanced mining project producing two “federally significant materials” in the U.S. The mine will produce zinc and manganese, which will help power new clean energy projects.

South32 is seeking to expand mining development onto land currently managed by the Coronado National Forest. Before the company can get Forest Service approval, the public must have a chance to comment on the project so the Forest Service can prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

An open house for the project will be held at Patagonia Union High School on Monday, May 20th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, and on Tuesday, May 21st, an open house will be held at the Hotel Americana in Nogales from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

Neighbors interested in providing feedback can also submit comments to the Coronado National Forest Service office near Stone Avenue and Congress Street in downtown Tucson.

For more information about the project, here.