Remote Center in Nogales to Control Mining Operation in Patagonia Mountains
South32 Hermosa will mine zinc and manganese in the Patagonia Mountains, bringing mining jobs to southern Arizona.
By J.D. Wallace
Published: Apr. 24, 2025 at 3:48 AM GMT+2
A remote operations center is being established in Nogales, Arizona, to support a zinc and manganese mine in the nearby Patagonia Mountains. The center, set to occupy 10 acres, will serve as a hub for directing remote operations at the underground mine, which is expected to generate hundreds of jobs in Santa Cruz County.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs highlighted the significance of this project during the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing the benefits for the local community.
"Some important context: most of the time, the industry puts these facilities in big cities. You can put them anywhere," said Pat Risner, president of South32 Hermosa.
The center will house operations for Normet and Sandvic, who are contracted to provide electric battery-powered equipment for the mine. As part of the deal, these companies must also establish facilities in Nogales.
"We will have equipment that’s fully autonomous... operated from this facility, so someone sitting here in an office building... operating a piece of equipment with a screen that’s 25 miles away and 3,000 feet underground," Risner explained.
Local stakeholders, like Robin Lucky from the Calabasas Alliance, are monitoring the mine's impact on the area, recognizing the potential for technological advancements in the industry.