The contract will see Worley support the design and procurement of mechanical and electrical infrastructure for excavation, power distribution, and ground water management, along with maintenance and ore handling systems. Worley will also integrate ventilation, shaft transport, and communication infrastructure as well as the design for the surface non-process facilities. The company’s project management team, based in Phoenix and supported by its 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 U.S. mining sector while helping provide minerals that are essential for the energy transition,” said Tom Foster, president of U.S. operations for Worley Consulting Americas. “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 will 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, in line with both Worley and South32’s goals of achieving net zero operational carbon emissions by 2050.