08 SEPTEMBER 2026
As construction advances at our Hermosa project, we are continuing to invest in building the skilled workforce needed to support the project's future operations and create lasting opportunities in southern Arizona.
As construction advances at our Hermosa project, we are continuing to invest in building the skilled workforce needed to support the project's future operations and create lasting opportunities in southern Arizona.
Recent milestones include the graduation of the first cohort from the Electrician Certificate Program and the launch of a new Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) program, delivered in partnership with the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District and Pima Community College.
"Mining is changing, and so are the skills needed to build and operate modern facilities," said Pat Risner, President Hermosa. "We'll rely on advanced technologies, automation and remote operations to improve safety, efficiency and decision-making. Through this program, we're helping local students develop technical skills that will be valuable not only at Hermosa, but across Arizona's growing advanced manufacturing economy."
The electrician program recently celebrated the graduation of 11 students from its inaugural cohort. South32 invested around US$500,000 to establish the program, fully funding tuition and program costs for every participant and supporting the facilities needed to deliver the training. Among the graduates were current Hermosa employees Eric Mendez, Field Technician, and Miguel Torres, Assistant Supervisor Field Exploration Technician, highlighting how the program is helping build skills and capability within Hermosa's workforce. A second cohort of 16 students has since started training.
The new AIT program is preparing students for careers operating, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced automated systems. As automation and digital technologies continue to transform industries, participants will gain skills that are expected to be in demand across a range of technical and manufacturing careers. South32 is fully funding the program with another investment of US$500,000, including tuition, program costs and classroom equipment.
Greg Lucero, Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District, said the partnership was already delivering meaningful outcomes.
"These graduates are proof of what can happen when education and industry work together on a shared commitment to creating opportunities close to home.”
The programs form part of Hermosa's broader workforce development strategy, helping build a pipeline of skilled tradespeople and technical specialists while creating pathways to future careers connected to the project. They also support Hermosa's goal of hiring 80 per cent of its workforce from Santa Cruz County, including future opportunities at Centro, Hermosa's remote operations centre currently under construction in Nogales.
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