East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, all representing Idaho, expressed approval following the U.S. Forest Service's Final Record of Decision on the Stibnite Gold Project.

In a joint statement, they remarked, "For too long, we have let China hold the cards when it comes to critical mineral production. This Record of Decision is a vital first step in advancing the production of American antimony and strengthening our national defense." They also emphasized the need for reforms in permitting processes to better compete with China and utilize domestic resources.

The Stibnite Gold Project is set to become the only source of domestically-mined antimony in the United States. Antimony is an essential mineral used in advanced technology, defense, and energy products. The project aims to meet approximately 35 percent of U.S. demand for antimony within its first six years.

Perpetua Resources, an Idaho-based company, initiated the formal permitting process with the U.S. Forest Service in 2016. Since then, they have engaged with Idaho residents and public officials regarding the project. The development is expected to generate over $1 billion in investment and create an average of 550 jobs in rural Valley County.