A mine in Idaho could reduce dependence on China; export restrictions on the metalloid will soon apply.
Antimony could soon be mined again in the United States. That is according to Perpetua Resources, the operator of the Stibnite mine in Idaho, who expects government approval for its project to come by the end of the year. According to a press release, the United States Forest Service is expected to publish the necessary environmental impact documents as early as Friday. Although the mine’s namesake is the mineral stibnite, also known as antimony glance or gray antimony in German, the focus will be on gold extraction. Nearly five million ounces could be produced annually, making antimony mining economically viable.
Mining in Stibnite began as early as 1899, but it was done without regard for the environment for a long time. Therefore, part of Perpetua Resources’ concept is to rehabilitate the site. The necessary studies have been funded with nearly $60 million by the U.S. Department of Defense, as antimony is of central importance to the defense industry, including ammunition production. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) could also support the project with a loan of up to $1.8 billion, as announced last April.
China, the most important antimony producer, has announced export restrictions for the raw material starting in mid-September (we reported), which will likely increase the importance of Perpetua’s project in Idaho.
Photo: Chettaprin Pimontaranukool via Canva
