Trump approves final permit for Perpetua’s US gold-antimony mine

The Trump administration has granted the final federal permit for a gold mine being developed by Perpetua Resources Corp, which also has a reserve of antimony, a critical mineral used in munitions.

The US Army Corps of Engineers issued the Clean Water Act permit needed for the Stibnite project in Idaho, which was facilitated by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, according to a statement from his department. Perpetua is now focused on securing state permits and financing, the company said separately.

China banned US-bound exports of antimony, gallium and germanium late last year, flexing its strong grip on strategic minerals. The Stibnite project holds an estimated 148 million pounds of antimony, which is the only identified reserve in the US, according to Perpetua.

“This mine marks a major step by this administration to secure critical mineral supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign countries, accelerate energy projects, unlock domestic resources, and drive American energy dominance on the global stage,” the Interior Department said in its statement.

The planned Stibnite project was one of ten mines awarded fast-track status in April to speed the approvals process. Others included the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, owned by Rio Tinto Group and BHP Group.

Demand for antimony is dominated by flame retardants, lead-acid batteries and the chemicals industry, with military applications making up a small segment. Prices for the metal have surged after Beijing tightened exports.

© 2025 Bloomberg

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