Nation’s First Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in Biodiversity Hotspot

Nation’s First Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in Biodiversity Hotspot

The U.S. Forest Service said it plans to approve South32’s Hermosa project in Patagonia, Arizona, despite the water problems the mine is already causing.By Wyatt MyskowPATAGONIA,  Ariz.—The U.S. Forest Service on March 5 announced it plans to soon approve the nation’s first critical minerals mine, South32’s Hermosa project, when it released the final environmental impact statement, which was permitted under a streamlined process.  The federal go…