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South32 Hermosa Mine Discharge Hits Record Antimony Levels, Threatening Arizona Water

South32 Hermosa Mine in Arizona reports record antimony levels in discharge, exceeding state alert limits and threatening Patagonia's groundwater. Community calls for transparency.

This news matters because it reveals a critical environmental and public health threat in a region already vulnerable to water scarcity and contamination. Antimony exposure through drinking water can cause severe health issues, including cancer and organ damage, while the mine's planned expansion to pump millions of gallons daily risks long-term contamination of Patagonia's sole groundwater source. The deficiencies in water treatment and regulatory delays highlight systemic failures in protecting communities from industrial pollution, emphasizing the need for transparency, timely data, and stronger oversight to safeguard water resources essential for health, agriculture, and ecosystems in drought-prone areas.