South32 Hermosa Project Phase 1: Asset Inventory, Gap Analysis, and Innovative Pathways

​

The objectives of this study are to assess county-wide current capacity by documenting community and environmental assets as well as future needs associated with the project’s full lifecycle—from inception to post-operation; identify comparable cases (“comps”) to evaluate existing capacity; develop growth projections; identify comps that represent ideal growth trajectories; conduct a gap analysis between current assets and future needs using benchmarks from exemplary cases in the U.S. and globally; and provide actionable, prioritized recommendations for capacity building. These recommendations will aim to amplify project benefits while mitigating potential environmental and social impacts, and will be evidence-based, socially relevant, and culturally responsive, offering innovative and practical solutions. The interdisciplinary team from the University of Arizona brings the necessary expertise and experience to address all fourteen topical areas of the study.