#United States #Idaho #Integra Resources #SPEED Act #DeLamar Project

Integra Resources Champions Idaho's SPEED Act to Streamline Mining Permits

In a significant move for the mining industry in Idaho, Integra Resources Corporation has expressed strong support for Governor Brad Little's recent Executive Order establishing the Strategic Permitting, Efficiency, and Economic Development Act, commonly referred to as the SPEED Act. This Act aims to streamline the permitting process across various sectors, focusing on economic development while maintaining rigorous environmental protections.

What is the SPEED Act?

The SPEED Act facilitates the creation of a council comprised of key state agency directors. This council is assigned to improve collaboration between various permitting agencies and to ensure that state permits for development projects are reviewed efficiently and effectively. The initiatives outlined in the Act are particularly crucial for advancing mining operations, such as Integra's own DeLamar and Florida Mountain Project.

Governor Little's Act underscores Idaho's commitment to responsible resource development, demonstrating that it is possible to harmoniously balance efficient permitting with stringent environmental safeguards. This legislative move reflects an understanding of the importance of enhancing Idaho’s economic landscape while still protecting the environment.

Integra's Plans Under the SPEED Act

Integra Resources is particularly focused on accelerating the permitting process for the DeLamar Project in 2025. Integra anticipates submitting a revised Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) that aligns with the ongoing feasibility study. The acceptance of this revised MPO will initiate the next phase of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process, including the publication of the Notice of Intent (NOI) by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. This step is vital for formally engaging with all governmental agencies and stakeholders involved in the project.

With DeLamar being recognized as one of the most advanced gold-silver development projects in the Western U.S., Integra's proactive approach positions the company to take advantage of the expedited permitting processes outlined in both state and federal initiatives.

George Salamis, the President and CEO of Integra, emphasized the importance of the SPEED Act by stating, "This Act highlights Idaho's action-oriented leadership in fostering a competitive business environment. When combined with federal initiatives such as the Unleashing American Energy executive order, which aims to accelerate permitting for essential mineral production, the implications for our stakeholders are significant."

Overview of the SPEED Council's Responsibilities

The establishment of the SPEED Council is designed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the permitting process in several key areas:

• - Early Consultation: Encouraging early-stage collaboration between project proponents and permitting agencies.
• - Coordinated Permitting: Implementing a unified and timely review process for qualifying projects to avoid unnecessary delays.
• - Transparency and Efficiency: Requiring clear timelines and public reporting on project approvals, ensuring accountability.
• - Regulatory Optimization: Identifying outdated regulations that may hinder growth and streamlining the permitting process accordingly.

The mission of the SPEED Council aligns closely with responsible economic development goals, aimed at job creation and upkeep of high-quality living standards for Idahoans. Details about the SPEED Act can be found on Idaho's official government site.

Federal Support for Economic Production

In conjunction with state initiatives, the federal government has also launched the Unleashing American Energy Executive Order. This order aims to bolster domestic energy and mineral production and reduce dependency on foreign sources of materials. Significantly, it calls for more efficient federal permitting practices to promote the responsible domestic extraction of resources. Together with the SPEED Act, these measures present a robust framework for advancing both state and national resource development initiatives.

Conclusion

The combined efforts of Idaho's SPEED Act and federal initiatives present a promising future for Integra Resources and other mining companies in the region. As the firm steps forward to advance its permitting processes at the DeLamar Project, it also underscores its commitment to responsible mining practices that prioritize both economic and environmental integrity. Integra's proactive approach and engagement with state and federal initiatives serve as valuable benchmarks for companies aiming to thrive in a competitive industrial landscape.