Stories - AZPM

The entrance to Saguaro National Park east.

Arizona secures $10.3 million investment for ecosystem restoration

The federal investment strengthens conservation efforts and combats invasive threats

The entrance of the South32 Hermosa mine site, a critical minerals project that looks to source manganese and zinc.

Santa Cruz County greenlights consultant for Hermosa Mine Project, sparks debate on environmental priorities

Stephanie Smith’s appointment calls for a pause, demanding a thorough evaluation of Hermosa Mine’s community and environmental impact

South32 Hermosa Project releases Mine Plan of Operations

Notice of Intent to prepare Environmental Impact Statement expected in May

Balaji Vaidyanathan with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) answers questions during a community meeting about a pending air quality permit for the South 32 Hermosa Mine project in Patagonia on Thursday, Jan. 11. Residents in the area are primarily concerned about potential negative health outcomes from manganese exposure. The Hermosa Mine looks to source "critical minerals" zinc, manganese, lead and silver from its two main deposits.

ADEQ proposes Air Quality permit for Mine near Patagonia

Locals oppose the South32 Hermosa mine, state concerns of manganese exposure.

New project developments underway for South32 Hermosa project

Mining company addresses community health, workforce development and transparency in Hermosa critical minerals project

Almost 100 years after the opening of Bisbee's Queen Mine, the Queen Mine Tours opened to the public in 1976. About 50,000 people visit the mine each year.

Water and Copper: How mining's history follows Arizona's feelings about water use in the state

Mining was Arizona's first billion-dollar industry. As we consider our state's economic drivers and their water use, we ask not only how much water goes into mining but what its aftermath does to water.

Using virtual reality opens a new avenue for learning and experience for mining students.

Virtual reality brings mining closer for UA students

The technology delivers the clearest image for those wishing to experience mining remotely.

The Patagonia Mountains in Southern Arizona, taken in January 2006.

Judge blocks injunction, allowing for exploratory mining in Patagonia Mountains

The eight environmental justice groups have moved to file an appeal.

Deadline looms: judge to decide fate of exploratory mining projects in the Patagonia Mountains

Critical decision with far-reaching consequences

Mary Cooper and her dog, Havoc, enjoying the Hassayampa River.

When dams break

As our infrastructure ages, what can happen when structures that are often massive give way?

South 32 Hermosa Project in the Patagonia Mountains. The mine development project earned a FAST-41 federal designation which streamlines its permitting process.

Environmental groups seek court order to stop two exploratory mining projects

The groups filed a lawsuit against the USFS in June.

Navajo President Buu Nygren urged the House Natural Resources Committee to reverse a ban on mining and drilling for 10 miles around Chaco Canyon, saying it deprives tribe members from collecting payment on their mineral allotments and violates the tribe’s sovereignty. July 2023

Navajo witnesses clash over government’s Chaco Canyon mining ban

A new 20-year moratorium on drilling and mining within 10 miles of the Chaco Canyon tramples on tribal sovereignty and denies Navajo badly needed royalty payments, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren told lawmakers.