VALLEY COUNTY, Idaho — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service approved the Stibnite Gold Project, releasing the final record of decision on Friday after it was signed by the Payette National Forest Supervisor Matthew Davis and Boise National Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen.
The Stibnite Gold Project is a proposed mining operation in central Idaho on the Payette and Boise National Forests that will create one of the largest gold, silver, and antimony mines in the U.S.
The approved plan will double the size of the impacted area compared to the historic mine footprint, with more than 70% of the project’s disturbance occurring on public lands, according to Idaho Rivers United.
RELATED: Forest Service approves draft record of decision for mining at Stibnite.
“The signing of this decision represents the culmination of over seven years of scientific study and analysis ...,” said Forest Supervisor Matthew Davis. “I am grateful for the input the Payette National Forest has received in the development of the environmental impact statement and am confident that the decision signed today is better for it.”
RELATED: Perpetua Resources takes us on a tour of the Stibnite Gold Mine.
The Stibnite Gold Project will be the only domestically mined source of antimony, according to a press release, and will supply roughly 35% of the U.S. demand for the mineral within the first six years of operations. Antimony is a critical mineral used in advanced technology, defense, and energy products.
U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher reacted to the decision on Monday. "For too long, we have let China hold the cards when it comes to critical mineral production," said the members. "This Record of Decision is a vital first step in advancing the production of American antimony and strengthening our national defense. Still, we must significantly reform the permitting processes to effectively compete with China and fully leverage the resources in our backyard."
