Australian mining company South32 has announced that its Hermosa zinc mine in Arizona has become the first mining project covered by the US’ Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

The FAST Act is a government project aimed at promoting investment in energy and transportation projects. The Act is overseen by the Federal Permit Improvements and Operations Council, which added the South32 Hermosa Project to Title 41 of the Act.

South32 has not yet commenced work at the Hermosa mine, but the project has considerable potential in the silver, zinc and manganese deposits identified in the area. The company has completed a pre-feasibility study on the project’s Taylor deposit in his 2022. This suggests that the mine can produce 4.3 million tonnes of ore per year, including zinc production of 280,000 tonnes per year.

South32 owns the entire project and is optimistic about the mine’s long-term future as the Taylor deposit has a mine life of 22 years. South32 is expected to complete a definitive feasibility study at the Taylor deposit in the second half of this year.

important mineral production

The project is notable because it is one of the few U.S. Geological Survey-designated mines capable of producing manganese and zinc. “Critical Minerals”These minerals are of great national interest and the United States is considering investing in Australian mines to secure supplies of these resources. Finding a reliable domestic supply of these commodities is of great interest to the federal government.

The approval of the Hermosa mine under the FAST Act could set a precedent for other US mines. Mining projects have been added to the authority of the FAST Act by a vote by the Permits Council. The presence of mines currently under the Group’s jurisdiction clearly demonstrates the federal government’s willingness to dedicate resources to the discovery, investment and promotion of domestic mines.

Hermosa project president Pat Risner said:

“We are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, cooperating agencies, Native American tribes, and local stakeholders in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, to benefit local communities and minimize environmental impact. We are committed to developing this project in a manner that will hold back and create opportunities throughout the region.”