26 JUNE 2026
A key piece of the Hermosa project’s future is now visible on the ground.
The concrete slab for Centro, Hermosa's remote operations centre in Nogales, Arizona has been successfully poured. The milestone completes years of design, engineering and community planning, and marks another step toward the facility becoming a reality.
Once complete, Centro will operate 24 hours a day and accommodate around 200 employees. Using advanced automation, electrified equipment and digital systems, teams will remotely monitor and operate underground and surface equipment, helping improve safety and lower emissions.
In addition to operations roles, the facility will bring together teams across engineering, geoscience, environmental science, human resources, supply chain and other functions that will support Hermosa.
It has been intentionally placed in Santa Cruz County to support Hermosa’s goal of building an 80% local workforce. Nogales was selected for its access to the largest population in the area, with connections to surrounding communities including Rio Rico and Patagonia.
Pat Risner, Hermosa President, said the decision reflects our long-term commitment to making a difference.
“Centro represents more than just a facility. It is a commitment to create economic opportunity and shared value in our community. By establishing Centro in Nogales, we are ensuring that the economic benefits of Hermosa stay local and support a skilled workforce for generations.”
By bringing highly skilled roles to Nogales, Centro creates a pathway for people to build careers locally, including those who may not have previously considered working in mining. These opportunities are supported through on‑the‑job training, upskilling and apprenticeships delivered with local partners such as the Santa Cruz Centre. This approach helps build a sustainable regional workforce, reduces the need for long commutes and expands access to well‑paying job opportunities across Santa Cruz County.
This work sits within Hermosa’s broader workforce development effort in the region. The Hermosa Workforce Development Executive Committee brings together South32 and regional education leaders to build long-term training pathways aligned to local needs. Partnerships are already delivering results, including an electrician certificate program with the Santa Cruz Centre and a vendor readiness program supporting local businesses.
Akmar Al Mukan, Principal Learning and Training, said the focus goes beyond the project itself.
“The work we are doing at Hermosa goes far beyond building a mine. We are helping build a community of skilled, confident people who are ready to take on the future. We are committed to workforce development and expanding access to education.”
Centro will form part of a 10 acre complex that includes parking and a park-and-ride bus station connecting to site. Construction will continue through 2026, with completion expected in 2027.
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