Our support for this project includes characterizing complex hydrogeologic systems in support of groundwater management, permitting, and mitigation planning associated with critical mineral development.
South32
Location: Santa Cruz County, Arizona
M&A has overseen drilling and construction of deep wells and conducted feasibility and environmental impact studies.
OVERVIEW
M&A supports South32 in developing the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project by characterizing regional hydrogeologic systems, managing large-scale depressurization and monitoring programs, and providing high-quality datasets that inform mine planning and environmental compliance.
SERVICES
Mine Development
- Designed and oversaw the drilling, construction, testing, and equipping of 6 depressurization wells (3,000–4,600 feet deep) to support mine dewatering
- Supported underground development by managing drilling and completion of a paste delivery borehole
- Conducted aquifer testing and real-time data evaluation to inform ongoing groundwater management
Feasibility Studies
- Characterized hydrogeologic conditions through integrated geologic, hydraulic, and geochemical assessments
- Conducted water-chemistry and isotope studies to define recharge sources, groundwater residence times, and flow pathways
- Managed and deliver validated spring, seep, and well datasets to support South32’s groundwater modeling team
Environmental Impact Studies
- Collected and analyzed multi-year baseline data on spring flow, groundwater levels, and water chemistry to support EIS evaluations of potential groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs)
- Developed a technical framework for identifying and prioritizing GDEs based on hydrologic connectivity and data reliability
- Prepared the draft Monitoring and Mitigation Plan to guide future monitoring, data evaluation, and adaptive management in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service
- Provided data management and interpretation to support impact assessment and regulatory review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
