Diversified mining company South32 has awarded Australian professional services company Worley an engineering and procurement services contract at the Hermosa project, in the US.

Worley will be responsible for  engineering and procurement services for the underground infrastructure and the surface non-process facilities of the zinc/lead/silver Taylor deposit at Hermosa.

The contract covers the design and procurement of mechanical and electrical infrastructure for excavation, power distribution, and ground water management, along with maintenance and ore handling systems. Additionally, Worley will integrate ventilation, shaft transport, and communication infrastructure, alongside designing surface non-process facilities.

Worley’s project management team, based in Phoenix and supported by their global team, will collaborate with South32 and other partners to ensure safety in design and on-time execution of the project.

“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 president of US operations Tom Foster.

“Collaborating with South32, we’ll work to enable a data-centric, ‘digital asset’ approach, ensuring seamless updates, operations, maintenance and future expansions throughout the mine's lifecycle. This innovative approach will be underpinned by our expertise in project delivery, both underground and at the surface. We look forward to working alongside South32 and other project partners to deliver this critical project.”

The Hermosa project is designed to use 75% less water compared to other mines in the region thanks to its underground mine design and dry-stack tailings facilities. The incorporation of automation and advanced technologies will further reduce the emissions associated with operations.