School bolsters multidisciplinary study for Santa Cruz County and South 32
South32's Hermosa mine is 64 miles southeast of Tucson.
South32, Hermosa mine
A multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Arizona assembled by Misael Cabrera, director and David and Edith Lowell Chair of the School of Mining and Mineral Resources, is working with mining company South32 to determine the needs of communities near the Hermosa mine in Southern Arizona.
Civil engineering researchers will assess transportation infrastructure in the surrounding community while electrical and computer engineering experts will analyze the region’s broadband and internet connectivity. Teams from other U of A colleges will also look into the region’s economic data, local government and community services.
"This asset study is an outstanding example of the novel approach the School of Mining and Mineral Resources takes to our collaboration with industry,” said Kray Luxbacher, head and Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair of Mining and Geological Engineering in the College of Engineering.
“We bring multi-disciplinary solutions, and we aim to marry technical work with community impacts for a holistic approach.”
The study is backed by $300,000 from South32, who have committed $1 million to address community needs that the study identifies.
“Partnering with the community from the get-go in this fashion will have huge payoffs in the future,” said Cabrera. “We hope that it becomes the standard.”