Engineering consultancy Worley has been awarded a contract to provide detailed engineering and procurement services for underground infrastructure and surface-based nonprocess facilities of diversified miner and metals company South32’s zinc/lead/silver Taylor deposit, which is part of the miner’s greater Hermosa project, in Arizona, in the US.

Under this contract, Worley will support the design and procurement of underground mechanical and electrical infrastructure for excavation, power distribution and dewatering, along with maintenance and ore-handling systems.

In addition, the company will integrate ventilation, shaft transport and communication infrastructure for the underground operations, as well as the design for the surface nonprocess facilities.

The Hermosa project has a highly prospective broader land package, which also includes the zinc/manganese/silver Clark oxide deposit, the copper/lead/zinc/silver Peake exploration target and the Flux prospect.

South32 states that the project is the only advanced mine development project in the US that could produce two federally designated critical minerals – manganese and zinc.

The Worley project team will be based in Phoenix, Arizona, but will draw on its mining experts from around the world to help South32 and its other partners to ensure safety in design and timely execution of the project.

The Hermosa project targets 75% less water use when compared with other mines in the region, and will also incorporate automation and advanced technologies to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with the mine.

“This is our first project with South32 in North America, underlining our dedication to the US mining sector, while helping provide minerals that are essential for the energy transition,” says Worley Consulting US operations president Tom Foster.

He explains that by collaborating with South32, Worley will work to enable a data-centric digital asset approach, thereby ensuring “seamless” updates, operations, maintenance and future expansions throughout the mine’s lifecycle.

This innovative approach will be underpinned by Worley’s expertise in project delivery, both underground and at surface-based operations.