Patagonia Area Resource Alliance critiques South 32 mining project in Santa Cruz County

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors convened on July 2, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, with a significant focus on environmental concerns and resource management. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Carolyn Schafer, a board member of the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (PARA), who provided an update on the organization’s efforts to protect the county's natural resources.

Schafer began her presentation by highlighting the importance of addressing littering in the wilderness, a personal passion of hers. She emphasized the need for the county to take action against littering, especially in light of ongoing environmental challenges such as megadrought and species extinction. She noted that Santa Cruz County is a unique ecological area, home to over 100 federally recognized threatened and sensitive species.

A significant portion of Schafer's presentation was dedicated to the proposed Hermosa Munoz mining project by the Australian company South 32. She expressed concerns regarding the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) released by the Forest Service, which she argued failed to adequately assess the potential impacts of the mining operation on biodiversity, air quality, and water resources. Schafer coordinated comments from 16 organizations, resulting in a comprehensive 221-page response to the DEIS, which she urged the Board to consider before moving forward with any agreements related to the project.

Key issues raised included the inadequacy of the DEIS in analyzing cumulative impacts, potential water contamination risks, and the project's implications for public health and safety. Schafer stressed that the proposed mining activities could threaten already endangered species and compromise the ecological integrity of the region.

The Board members expressed their appreciation for Schafer's insights and the collaborative efforts of PARA and other organizations. They acknowledged the importance of protecting the county's natural resources for future generations and committed to further discussions on the matter.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing tension between resource extraction and environmental conservation in Santa Cruz County. The Board of Supervisors is expected to continue evaluating the implications of the Hermosa Munoz project as they navigate the complexities of balancing economic interests with ecological stewardship.