CNF to release Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Hermosa Critical Minerals Project

Tucson, Ariz. (May 8, 2025) – On May 9, 2025, the Forest Service will publish a draft Environmental Impact Statement as part of the National Environmental Policy Act review process, initiating a 45-day comment period for the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project (Hermosa Project). The DEIS discloses the potential environmental effects of the South32 Hermosa Inc. Critical Minerals Exploration and Mine Plan of Operations as submitted by the proponent, South32 Hermosa Inc., and as modified in an alternative. 

During the comment period, the Forest Service is requesting comments on potential issues and alternatives in addition to the identification of any relevant information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts affecting the quality of the natural and human environment that are in context with the findings, substantial, and sufficiently related. The objective for the effects analysis of the Hermosa Project is to analyze the nature, severity, and duration of impacts that might occur and compare the impacts of the proposed action and alternatives.  
 
Once the DEIS is published, comments can be submitted electronically using the Public Comment Form at https://hermosaproject.commentinput.com or emailed to sm.fs.r3cnfnepa@usda.gov with the subject line “Hermosa Critical Minerals Project”. The electronic form to submit comments will not be accessible prior to the publication of the DEIS. Written comments may be submitted via mail or hand delivery (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays) to: 

      Kerwin S. Dewberry, Forest Supervisor 
      Coronado National Forest 
      ATTN: Hermosa Critical Minerals Project 
      300 West Congress Street 
      Tucson, AZ, 85701  

Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339, 24 hours a day, including holidays. 
 
The Forest Service is offering two public meetings in an open-house format to provide an opportunity for public involvement and input on the proposed Hermosa Project. The public open houses will be held as follows: 

• May 27, 2025, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Patagonia Union High School, 200 Naugle Ave, Patagonia, Arizona
• May 28, 2025, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Nogales High School, 1905 Apache Blvd, Nogales, Arizona 

Follow the progress of the Hermosa Project on the FAST-41 Permitting Dashboard at https://www.permits.performance.gov/permitting-project/fast-41-covered-projects/south32-hermosa-critical-minerals-project. 
 
The proposed Mine Plan of Operations, draft Environmental Impact Statement, and supporting documentation are available online at 
https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/249404091619. 

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in the stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. 

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