Perpetua Resources Celebrates Idaho's SPEED Act for Economic Growth and Permitting Improvements

On January 27, 2025, Perpetua Resources Corp. expressed strong support for Idaho Governor Brad Little's issuance of the Executive Order 2025-02, known as the Strategic Permitting, Efficiency, and Economic Development (SPEED) Act. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to modernize the permitting process across various state agencies, ultimately supporting essential projects that range from energy independence to economic revitalization. The SPEED Act aims to create a SPEED Council that will enhance cooperation among state departments, minimize wait times for project approvals, and underscore Idaho's commitment to sustainable resource management.

The implementation of the SPEED Act is particularly significant for the Stibnite Gold Project, which is poised to generate approximately 550 employment opportunities in rural Idaho. This ambitious project is also set to deliver a domestic source of antimony—a critical mineral utilized in defense, technological applications, and energy systems. With around 148 million pounds of antimony reserves projected, the Stibnite Gold Project expects to fulfill up to 35% of the United States' antimony requirements within its initial operational six years. This effort is crucial given the recent disruptions in supply chains resulting from China’s restriction of antimony exports—the country being responsible for nearly half of the global output of this essential mineral.

"We are thrilled to see Governor Little take decisive action to streamline the permitting process without compromising environmental standards," stated Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua Resources. He emphasized that the SPEED Act aligns perfectly with the company’s vision of restoring neglected mining sites while responsibly developing resources crucial for the nation’s future.

Industry experts lauded the SPEED Act for its potential to foster economic growth. Ben Davenport, Executive Director of the Idaho Mining Association, remarked, "The SPEED Act exemplifies Idaho's sensible and progressive leadership. By facilitating communication and cooperation, we can ensure that vital initiatives, such as the Stibnite Gold Project, can provide high-quality employment to rural areas." Similarly, Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration and Mining Association, described the SPEED Act as a model for other states, capable of improving project efficiency while ensuring environmental safeguards are upheld.

Idaho’s dedication to balancing economic development with environmental accountability positions the state as a leader in resource management. The move to prioritize the Stibnite Gold Project not only reflects this commitment but also emphasizes the role of local resources in enhancing the nation’s energy security.

Perpetua Resources, through its subsidiaries, is committed to exploring, restoring, and redeveloping mineral deposits within the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of Idaho, specifically focusing on the Stibnite Gold Project. This site, recognized as one of the highest-grade open-pit gold deposits in the U.S., is intended to employ a contemporary mining approach to reclaim an abandoned mining area while producing gold and the nation’s only mined antimony source. Notably, the project aims to function using one of the lowest carbon emission energy grids in the nation, furthering its commitment to sustainable practices. A portion of the antimony sourced from this project will supply Ambri, a U.S. company working on affordable liquid metal batteries vital for the transition to low-carbon energy solutions.

The Stibnite Gold Project has already received significant funding support totaling $59.2 million from the Defense Production Act Title III initiative, which will facilitate advancing construction efforts and permitting processes. As the only domestic supplier of antimony necessary for numerous military-grade applications, the project is essential for national defense priorities.

In summary, the SPEED Act represents a pivotal stride toward environmental responsibility and economic enhancement in Idaho, solidifying the state’s role in leading the charge for responsible resource development nationally. With ample mineral resources, Idaho is diligently positioning itself to support projects that not only promise economic benefits but also reinforce national security and self-sufficiency. For more information on Perpetua Resources and the Stibnite Gold Project, visit their official website.

Topics General Business)

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