Producing critical minerals and reshaping the mining industry at Hermosa

Societies and businesses around the world are rapidly looking for solutions to grow and thrive in a world facing evolving challenges. Electrification and batteries, for instance, are among the solutions, helping industries to cut emissions, increase efficiency and develop better technologies.

New emerging technologies also create a demand for various materials, such as critical minerals, emphasizing the importance of the mining industry for the wider society.

In the historic mining district in the Patagonia Mountains of Southern Arizona, something exciting is underway. Mining and metals company South32 is developing the Hermosa project. This operation will mine minerals like manganese and zinc, which are federally designated critical minerals and essential for powering the energy future of the United States.

Remote operations center and digital twins shaping the mine of the future

Jennifer Berger joined Normet in 2024 as the Vice President of the North American Sales Area. One project she is particularly proud of is Normet’s support for the South32 Hermosa project.

“Hermosa aims to be one of the first fully electric mines in the U.S., significantly reducing the environmental footprint and elevating expectations for responsible mining in North America. The mine will leverage automation, digital twin modeling, and real-time data analytics to optimize operations,” Berger explains.

An exceptional feature of Hermosa will be its remote operations center, Centro. This facility, located 25 miles away from the underground workings, will provide an office-like setting for employees to operate and monitor equipment remotely.

Achieving this level of remote operation requires groundbreaking technology and capabilities. This is when Normet enters the picture. Normet will deliver remote monitoring solutions to the project, providing the data Centro needs to support optimal equipment performance. “The first step to smart mining is connectivity; it is difficult to improve what we do not know,” Berger describes.

Another important reason for the collaboration is how Normet technology integrates with other OEMs, data analysis tools and platforms used by South32.

“At our contract award meeting, it made me especially glad to hear a Hermosa team member say that ‘Normet plays well with others.’ For me, it demonstrated how we have succeeded in creating solutions that clients can easily integrate in their wider landscapes, creating true value for them,” Berger notes.

To reduce downtime costs and to ensure the optimal equipment performance and longevity, Normet will also provide comprehensive training for its entire product range in the project. Berger believes that digital solutions used in the project will help future-proof the operations, create new learning opportunities and make the industry more attractive for students and recent graduates.

Reducing environmental footprint and increasing performance with Normet SmartDrive machinery

Digital technology alone is not enough to shape the first fully electric mine. Normet SmartDrive® has been selected as a suitable solution by the project team.

"Hermosa also allows Normet to demonstrate leadership in the industry through our SmartDrive battery electric technology which supports zero-emissions mining, without compromising performance” Berger emphasizes.

What truly motivates Jennifer Berger in her role, and what drives her passion for her work each day?

“It is a huge opportunity for me and the whole Normet to be part of such a high-impact, technology-forward project. It strengthens our brand and elevates our position as a leader who develops automation, electrification and sustainable mining technologies,” Berger states.

Berger also notes the close involvement of local communities in the project. It is important for both South32 and Normet to commit to establish facilities in Santa Cruz County, where local people will be hired and trained.

“Personally, I am proud to have the opportunity to build a long-term collaboration with South32 Hermosa and the Santa Cruz community. To model what mining can be in our communities, bringing fundamental changes to how we operate, and transforming expectations.”