U.S. Economy

South32 Ltd Looks to Bypass China for Arizona Zinc as Hermosa Nears U.S. Approval

South32 Ltd Looks to Bypass China for Arizona Zinc as Hermosa Nears U.S. Approval

South32 plans to send zinc from its $2.16 billion Hermosa mine in Arizona to North American smelters, not China, after a key U.S. Forest Service draft approval on March 6. The company signed a non-binding letter of intent with Teck Resources to supply its British Columbia smelter. The federal review runs through April 20, with a final decision expected in July. South32 says Hermosa could produce up to five critical minerals.
March 11, 2026