AZ Critical Mineral Mine approaches Approval in spite of Water Quality Risks - South32 Hermosa Mine, Patagonia Mountains
Nation's First Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in Biodiversity Hotspot [Wyatt MYSKOW, Inside Climate News ( ICN ) ; March 15, 2026] https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15032026/arizona-south32-hermosa-critical-minerals-mine/ Public Notice : State 401 Water Quality Certification Waiver | South32 Hermosa Critical Minerals Project [ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) ; February 27, 2026] https://azdeq.gov/public-notice-preliminary-decision-waive-state-water-quality-certification-federal-action-south32 Public Comment closes on MARCH 20, 2026 ! Also... Patagonia mine faces scrutiny after heavy metal discharge (Henry BREAN, Tucson.com ; January 12, 2026) https://tucson.com/news/local/environment/article_ca597770-4dfb-4b48-915d-3ee72893438c.html ( South32 Hermosa Mine, Patagonia Mountains ; Tucson.com )