BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) made the following statements upon the release of the U.S. Forest Service’s completed Final Environmental Impact Statement and issuing of a Draft Record of Decision authorizing the Stibnite Gold Project.

“The Stibnite Project will bolster Idaho’s economy and our national defense. Today’s long awaited Draft Record of Decision is welcome but underscores the need for permitting reform,” said Risch. “It should not take nearly a decade to complete one aspect of the permitting process for a mine critical to our national security and strategic competition with China. The U.S. must make significant reforms to effectively compete with China and fully leverage the resources in our own backyard.”

“The authorization of Perpetua’s Stibnite Gold Project is a key component in pushing back against China’s continued malign influence,” said Crapo. “Advancing America’s only antimony reserve protects our national security and ensures the U.S. can continue to meet defense production needs to protect itself from bad actors. The USFS and Perpetua have demonstrated a commendable commitment to environment and habitat restoration. The Stibnite Gold Project’s success is vital to our nation’s strategic needs and economic future.” 

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