#United States #Boise #Perpetua Resources #Stibnite Gold Project #federal permit

Perpetua Resources Achieves Final Federal Permit for Stibnite Gold Project

Perpetua Resources Corp. is celebrating a significant achievement as it has officially obtained the final federal permit necessary for advancing the construction of the Stibnite Gold Project. This milestone was marked by the issuance of the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which follows a comprehensive eight-year process of federal permitting and scientific evaluation.

A Long Journey to Approval

The granting of the Section 404 permit is the last requirement for Perpetua to begin preparations for construction on the Stibnite Gold Project. This landmark decision represents the culmination of extensive work by the company and its partners, highlighting their commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible mining practices. Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua Resources, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Today’s final federal permit marks the culmination of eight years of permitting, scientific study, project refinement, and lots of hard work.”

With this pivotal permit secured, Perpetua is now focused on obtaining the remaining state permits and finalizing project financing, which are essential next steps towards construction.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Stibnite Gold Project is not only poised to enhance U.S. national security through the production of antimony, a critical mineral, but it is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to rural Idaho. The project is anticipated to create around 550 jobs during operations, supporting regional economic development in a sustainable manner.

The mine is estimated to contain approximately 4.8 million ounces of gold and aims to produce around 450,000 ounces of gold annually during its initial four years of operation. Additionally, the project boasts an estimated 148 million pounds of antimony reserves, positioning it as the only domestically produced source of this critical mineral. This is particularly significant given the recent disruptions in global antimony supply chains, highlighted by China’s restriction on exports.

Commitment to Environmental Restoration

A core principle driving the Stibnite Gold Project is its commitment to environmental restoration. The project is designed to rehabilitate the historically tarnished Stibnite Mining District, focused on a responsible mining approach. This will include:
1. Removal and safe storage of legacy tailings to enhance regional water quality.
2. Restoration of natural water flows to the headwaters of the Salmon River, allowing for fish passage to habitats that have been blocked for over 80 years.
3. Increasing wetland acreage and improving the quality of existing wetlands.

The restoration initiatives reflect Perpetua's commitment to a balance of economic activity and environmental health, presenting a model for future mining projects.

Regulatory Support and Future Outlook

The project garnered substantial public support throughout the permitting process, with over 23,000 letters from the community advocating for its development. In 2025, the project was recognized as a Transparency Project under an Executive Order aimed at bolstering American mineral production, enhancing accountability among agencies involved in the permitting process.

As Perpetua Resources moves into this next phase, the company remains vigilant about the regulatory landscape and public sentiment, confident that the investment in domestic antimony production will not only bolster national security but also contribute positively to the local community.

In conclusion, the final federal permit for the Stibnite Gold Project paves the way for a transformative development in Idaho’s mining sector. Perpetua’s vision of pioneering a modern mining approach while addressing critical mineral needs highlights an evolving narrative in the industry—a narrative grounded in both economic opportunity and environmental responsibility.