Project Development on Greenlight: Perpetua Resources Granted Approval by U.S. Forest Service
The Stibnite Gold Project, a significant undertaking in central Idaho, is set to commence construction this fall. This project, led by Perpetua Resources, promises to deliver numerous benefits, including environmental restoration, job creation, and the supply of a critical mineral essential for U.S. defense needs.
Perpetua Resources received a conditional Notice to Proceed from the U.S. Forest Service, marking a significant milestone in the project's development. The notice comes after the company satisfied all requirements outlined in the January 2025 Record of Decision.
The Stibnite Gold Project aims to clean up legacy contamination at the historical mine site, reconnect fish to their native spawning grounds, and restore habitat. It also plans to uplift wetlands quality and stream habitat quality over existing conditions, opening miles of habitat for migrating fish.
One of the project's most notable aspects is its focus on producing America's only mined resource of the critical mineral antimony. Antimony trisulfide from Stibnite is the only known domestic reserve of antimony that can meet U.S. defense needs for many small arms, munitions, and missile types. The project intends to produce gold as well, making it one of the highest-grade open pit gold deposits in the United States.
The Trump Administration placed the Stibnite Gold Project on the Transparency Projects list under the FAST-41 Program in 2025, underscoring its importance to the nation. Emily Domenech, Federal Permitting Improvement Council Executive Director, stated that completing federal permitting for the Stibnite Gold Project is a major step towards unlocking America's critical minerals resources.
Perpetua Resources began the formal permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act in 2016. The company is working to satisfy financial assurance requirements under applicable federal and state law, but there may be unforeseen challenges or delays in the process.
The restoration of legacy impacts is planned to occur early and concurrent with mining activities. The project aims to reduce the project footprint by 13% over the original design and improve water temperature to be at, or below, existing conditions.
The Stibnite Gold Project is expected to provide hundreds of family-wage jobs, contributing to the local economy. It's a testament to the potential of responsible resource development to drive economic growth while addressing environmental concerns and securing vital resources for national security.
Over 23,000 letters were submitted supporting the Project during public comment periods, reflecting strong community support for the project's objectives. Perpetua Resources is focused on the exploration, site restoration, and redevelopment of gold-antimony-silver deposits in central Idaho, positioning the Stibnite Gold Project as a key player in the region's future.
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