South32 details Hermosa construction, baseline air monitoring and two‑phase community protection agreement

Pat Reisner, a representative of South32, told the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 5 that construction at the Hermosa site is advancing and that company and county partners are working on a two‑phase Community Protection and Benefits Agreement. "We are continuing to ramp up efforts, around building the project," Reisner said during the board meeting.

The details matter to nearby communities: Reisner said crews have begun building foundations for a zinc processing plant and that shaft sinking is well underway. He described the processing plant as using newer technology intended to reduce physical footprint and energy use, saying the chosen equipment "takes 40% less space than conventional processing facilities" and uses about 30% less power. Reisner also explained that the design seeks to limit dust exposure by conveying and storing ore in sealed systems and by loading finished product into sealed containers prior to leaving site.

Why it matters: Residents and local groups have repeatedly raised concerns about air quality, water use and long‑term protections. South32 announced a…