Perpetua Resources Corp. today praised Idaho Governor Brad Little's Executive Order 2025-02, the Strategic Permitting, Efficiency, and Economic Development ("SPEED") Act. This landmark measure establishes a SPEED Council to improve coordination among state agencies, reduce permitting delays, and drive forward projects that promote energy independence, national security, and economic growth.
The SPEED Act is a testament to Idaho's leadership in responsible resource development and recognition that streamlined permitting can go hand-in-hand with rigorous environmental standards.
"We are thrilled to see Governor Little take decisive action to streamline permitting without compromising environmental integrity," said Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua Resources. "The SPEED Act aligns perfectly with Perpetua's vision to restore an abandoned mine site and responsibly develop domestic mineral resources for a more secure future."
The SPEED Act is a crucial step toward advancing critical projects like the Stibnite Gold Project). Once in operation, the project is expected to provide an average of 550 jobs to rural Idaho and a reliable domestic source of the critical mineral antimony, which is vital for defense, technology, and energy applications. With an estimated reserve of 148 million pounds of antimony, the project could meet up to 35 percent of U.S. antimony demand in its initial six years of production, significantly reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. In late 2024, China — which is responsible for nearly half of all mined antimony output worldwide — cut off antimony exports to the U.S. The Stibnite Gold Project stands to greatly bolster the United States' efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign antimony producers and suppliers and strengthen its strategic mineral security.
"The SPEED Act exemplifies Idaho's common sense, forward-thinking leadership," said Ben Davenport, Executive Director of the Idaho Mining Association. "We hope that by improving communication and coordination, Idaho can help vital projects like the Stibnite Gold Project deliver hundreds of well-paid and highly-skilled jobs to our rural communities."
The SPEED Act reflects Idaho's commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. With Idaho's vast mineral resources, the state can continue its leadership in supporting projects that bolster national security and energy independence.
"Idaho's SPEED Act is a model for the nation," said Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration & Mining Association. "With enhanced coordination and reduced inefficiencies, Idaho projects like the Stibnite Gold Project can better deliver the critical minerals our nation needs while safeguarding the environment."
