Description

In this episode of The Voice of Growth, Manny Teran sits down with Pat Risner, President of the Hermosa Project at South32, to explore what next-generation mining truly looks like.  

This conversation goes far beyond extraction. Pat shares how Hermosa—located in Santa Cruz County, Arizona—represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how industries create shared value across national security, sustainability, workforce development, and long-term community prosperity.  

Key themes include:  

• Why the U.S. must onshore critical minerals like zinc and battery-grade manganese
• How automation, AI, and remote operations can increase safety and inclusion
• Designing mines with the end in mind—preparing communities to thrive long after resources are depleted
• Leadership lessons from 30+ years across global operations, health & safety, and environmental stewardship 
• Why, at the end of the day, it’s still all about people  

This is a masterclass in trend-aligned leadership, systems thinking, and building institutions that outlast individuals.