The USDA Forest Service, Coronado National Forest, has issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS for the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Applicant South32 Hermosa Inc. proposes a Mine Plan of Operations for underground polymetallic (manganese and zinc) mining expansion on National Forest System lands in the Patagonia Mountains, involving 480.5 acres of surface disturbance, a dry-stack tailings storage facility, and associated infrastructure. Three preliminary alternatives are under study (proposed action, no-action, and an alternative incorporating a 138-kV transmission line). Key anticipated impacts include water quality, special-status species habitat, scenery, air quality, and noise. Scoping comments are due June 10, 2024; draft EIS is expected May 2025.