#United States #Boise #Idaho #Perpetua Resources #Stibnite Project

U.S. Labor Secretary and Idaho Governor Visit Stibnite Gold Project

On August 6, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Idaho Governor Brad Little visited Perpetua Resources Corp. in Valley County, Idaho, to discuss the vital role of the Stibnite Gold Project in securing jobs and critical minerals for the United States. This initiative is not only pivotal for the local economy but also for national security, especially in the context of domestic mineral projects.

The Stibnite Gold Project has been designated as a “Transparency Project” by the National Economic Development Council, which underscores its importance to the nation. This project not only aims to restore an environment affected by past mining endeavors, but also to create approximately 550 well-paying jobs for rural Idaho residents during its construction and operational phases.

During the visit, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the project's alignment with the administration's goals to empower American workers, stating, “The Stibnite Gold Project embodies the American initiative necessary for ensuring our critical mineral supply chains. It is essential for national security, and it promises to create in-demand jobs that pay mortgages.” Similarly, Governor Little praised the collaboration between Perpetua Resources and local educational institutions, underscoring the need for training programs that can equip Idahoans with skills for high-demand jobs within the state’s mining sector.

As part of this partnership, Perpetua Resources announced the establishment of the Stibnite Launch Scholarship in collaboration with the College of Western Idaho (CWI). The scholarship will support geosciences students in gaining the necessary skills and training to succeed in careers within the mining industry. To kickstart this initiative, Perpetua presented CWI with a substantial donation of $250,000, aimed at funding scholarships for at least twelve students annually over the next three years.

Jon Cherry, CEO of Perpetua Resources, expressed his commitment to Idaho, stating, “For years, we have built relationships within the community, offering internships and working alongside local schools to prepare the workforce. Our goal is to provide meaningful careers to hundreds of workers and to ensure families in rural Idaho benefit from our project.”

The Stibnite Gold Project will be crucial for supplying antimony, a mineral vital for national defense applications performed by the Department of Defense. The U.S. government has already invested over $80 million to support the advancement of this significant project, highlighting its strategic importance for both the economic and security frameworks of the country.

During the visit, both the Secretary of Labor and the Governor held a roundtable discussion with local education leaders and project partners to further explore the opportunities presented by mining in Idaho. Discussions focused on the necessity of permitting reforms to promote critical mining projects and the integral role that educational programs like Idaho LAUNCH play in enhancing workforce readiness.

Chavez-DeRemer, who has prioritized American workforce needs since becoming Secretary of Labor, indicated that her visit underscores the administration's commitment to understanding rural labor needs and fostering economic growth in communities like Valley County through projects like Stibnite.

In summary, the Stibnite Gold Project represents a dual opportunity: revitalizing Idaho's economy and securing critical minerals necessary for U.S. national security. With ongoing support from both state and federal entities, there is hope for substantial economic growth in the region, fostering a new generation of skilled workers ready to contribute to this vital sector of the economy.

About Perpetua Resources and the Stibnite Project

Perpetua Resources Corporation focuses on exploring and redeveloping gold-antimony-silver deposits within the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The project is recognized as one of the highest-grade open-pit gold deposits in the U.S., designed not only to restore environmental health but also to provide a sustainable source of both gold and antimony, addressing crucial U.S. defense needs.