In a significant move that underscores the accelerating shift towards sustainable and innovative mining practices, Normet has secured the ancillary underground equipment fleet contract for South32’s Hermosa project in Arizona. The contract, inked on April 23, 2025, coincides with South32’s groundbreaking ceremony for Centro, a state-of-the-art remote operations centre in Nogales, Arizona. This facility is set to redefine mining operations by providing an office-like environment for employees to operate and monitor equipment situated 25 miles away, deep underground.
The contract encompasses a comprehensive fleet of 35 mobile equipment units, including Normet’s SmartDrive battery-electric machinery, and nine power delivery units. The diverse range of equipment includes Multimec MF 100 SD Multi-functional carriers, Utimec MF 500 SD Transmixers, Utimec MF 205 PER SD Personnel carriers, Charmec MF 605 V LE SD Explosive Chargers, and an array of support vehicles such as scissor lifts, shotcrete sprayers, concrete transmixers, lube trucks, water trucks, and rock breakers. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2026 and will continue through to 2030, aligning with the project’s phased development.
Normet’s involvement in the Hermosa project is not just about supplying equipment; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in the underground equipment industry. “This contract award underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation and excellence in the underground equipment industry. We look forward to working with South32 and the communities in Santa Cruz County,” Normet stated. This partnership is poised to set new benchmarks for the industry, particularly in the realm of sustainability and operational efficiency.
The news from Normet comes hot on the heels of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ agreement to supply its largest-ever battery-electric vehicle fleet to South32 for the Hermosa project. This deal includes 22 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as part of a 42-unit underground equipment fleet, with the potential for more BEVs to be included in the future. Sandvik’s commitment to the Hermosa project is significant, as it marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s transition towards electric-powered mining equipment.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for Centro, Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa, emphasized the broader implications of these agreements. “These are more than just contracts to buy pieces of equipment,” Risner stated. “They include commitments from both manufacturers to establish facilities in Santa Cruz County where they will hire and train local people.” This approach not only supports local economic development but also ensures that the community benefits directly from the project’s success.
Risner’s vision for the future of the Hermosa project is clear: “By the time we’re in full production, our underground equipment fleet will all be battery-electric equipment.” This ambitious goal aligns with the global trend towards electrification in the mining sector, driven by the need for reduced carbon emissions and improved operational efficiency.
The Hermosa project, with its focus on critical minerals and innovative mining practices, is set to become a flagship for the industry. The collaboration between South32, Normet, and Sandvik is not just about building a mine; it’s about building a sustainable future. The establishment of Centro and the commitment to battery-electric equipment are steps towards a more responsible and efficient mining industry.
As the mining sector continues to evolve, the Hermosa project serves as a beacon of what is possible. The integration of advanced technology, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on community engagement are all crucial elements that will shape the future of mining. The industry is at a crossroads, and projects like Hermosa are leading the way towards a more innovative and responsible future. The groundbreaking ceremony for Centro and the contracts with Normet and Sandvik are not just milestones for South32; they are milestones for the entire mining industry.
