Perpetua Resources has received conditional clearance from the US Forest Service (USFS) to start developing its Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho. 

The conditional notice to proceed (NTP) from the USFS confirms that all conditions outlined in the January 2025 record of decision (RoD) have been met. 

The construction is contingent upon financial assurance bonding agreed to by the USFS, the Idaho Department of Lands and the US Army Corps of Engineers. 

Earlier last week, state and federal agencies reached an agreement on a joint financial assurance package that mandates bonding for the construction period of the project.  

In the notice, the USFS informed the company that it will approve its plan of operation only once the financial assurance bonds are secured, allowing initial construction to commence thereafter.  

The company expects to have the financial assurance in place in the coming weeks. 

Federal Permitting Improvement Council executive director Emily Domenech said: “Completing federal permitting for Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project is a major step towards unlocking America’s critical minerals resources. 

“By redeveloping this historic mining site, we can both restore the environment and secure a domestic supply chain that is essential to our nation’s future.” 

The Stibnite Gold Project aims to produce antimony, a critical mineral for US defence systems, while also addressing historic environmental damage at the site. 

The project includes efforts to clean up legacy contamination, restore native fish habitats and create substantial employment opportunities. 

It was included on the Trump Administration's FAST-41 Program Transparency Projects list in 2025, which aims to boost domestic mineral production. 

Perpetua Resources president and CEO Jon Cherry said: “After eight years of extensive permitting review and over $400m invested, it is finally time for the Stibnite Gold Project to deliver for America. 

“A united vision to produce critical resources urgently needed for national security and to restore an abandoned site, along with the feedback from our communities, have guided us to this monumental milestone.” 

Perpetua, which began the permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act in 2016, has undergone extensive environmental reviews. 

During the public comment periods, more than 23,000 letters were submitted in support of the project, stated the company. 

In June, Perpetua Resources closed a public offering and a private placement, raising $425m to advance the Stibnite project.