South32's $2 billion zinc and manganese mine in Arizona poised for U.S. approval
2026-07-07 10:30:11 [Print]
The Trump administration is expected to greenlight South32 Ltd.'s planned $2 billion zinc and manganese mining project in Arizona on Tuesday.
According to a U.S. Forest Service statement reviewed by Bloomberg, the Agriculture Department agency intends to issue a record of decision approving the project, situated near the U.S.-Mexico border, following the administration's decision to fast-track its permitting process. The project marks the first mining venture to receive expedited treatment from the Agriculture Department after the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council designated it for accelerated review.
The Agriculture Department noted that the critical minerals project hosts one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc deposits, along with other key minerals essential for steelmaking and the production of high-capacity batteries.
Australia-based South32 has stated that the mine-located in the Patagonia Mountains, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Tucson, Arizona-is on track to achieve full production by 2029.
Thanks to the expedited review process, the project is securing approval two months ahead of the statutory deadline under federal environmental law. South32 is prioritizing the supply of copper extracted from the site to domestic and regional smelters.
According to a U.S. Forest Service statement reviewed by Bloomberg, the Agriculture Department agency intends to issue a record of decision approving the project, situated near the U.S.-Mexico border, following the administration's decision to fast-track its permitting process. The project marks the first mining venture to receive expedited treatment from the Agriculture Department after the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council designated it for accelerated review.
The Agriculture Department noted that the critical minerals project hosts one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc deposits, along with other key minerals essential for steelmaking and the production of high-capacity batteries.
Australia-based South32 has stated that the mine-located in the Patagonia Mountains, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Tucson, Arizona-is on track to achieve full production by 2029.
Thanks to the expedited review process, the project is securing approval two months ahead of the statutory deadline under federal environmental law. South32 is prioritizing the supply of copper extracted from the site to domestic and regional smelters.
Manganese Lump 96.5%min IW Russia
Unit:RUB/kg
China's manganese lump producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
