Idaho Delegation Applauds Final Decision on Stibnite Gold Project

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (all R-Idaho) made the following statement today upon the release of the U.S. Forest Service's Final Record of Decision authorizing the Stibnite Gold Project.

"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," said the Members.  "Still, we must significantly reform the permitting processes to effectively compete with China and fully leverage the resources in our backyard."

The Stibnite Gold Project will be the only domestically-mined source of antimony—a critical mineral used in advanced technology, defense, and energy products.  The project is expected to supply roughly 35 percent of the U.S. demand for antimony within the first six years of operations.

Perpetua Resources, an Idaho company, began the formal permitting process with the U.S. Forest Service in 2016, and has since engaged in outreach with Idahoans and public officials.  The Stibnite Gold Project is also anticipated to provide more than $1 billion in investment and add an average of 550 jobs to rural Valley County.