What is the CPBA?
Community Protections and Benefit Agreements (CPBAs), or Good Neighbor Agreements (GNAs) help ensure resource projects provide protections and share benefits fairly with local communities. They support social, environmental, and economic goals, and are built through mutual consent. Revenue-sharing and flexible, community-led decision-making are key to their success.
Who will sign the agreement?
The signatories include the Town of Patagonia, City of Nogales, Santa Cruz County and South32.
Is it binding?
The CPBA will be a legally binding contract between the parties.
How long will it last?
The CPBA does not have an expiration date and is a living document. As part of the CPBA process, the agreement will have built-in timelines for review and reassessment.
Who is paying for the development of the CPBA agreement?
South32 is the sole funding source of this process. South32- funded efforts include Acorn International facilitation, the U of A data studies, and potential engagement of an independent expert to help develop a Monitoring and Protections Roadmap.
Why is the CBPA in phases?
The signatories agreed to the adoption of a phased approach to the CPBA. This allows for the initiation of certain actions (benefits) that will help address immediate and significant needs in the region while the current Federal permitting processes are underway. Phase 1 also commits all parties to continue developing additional protections and benefits through further planning, discussion among signatories, and incorporation of community feedback. At the conclusion of Federal Permitting, supplemental environmental protections can be identified and included in Phase 2.
When will benefits start?
Early action benefits are planned to start in early 2026.
What happens if South32 sells the mine?
The Agreement carries with the mine, not South32.
Will it be updated, and how often?
Yes – at least every 2 years.