Exploration and development company Perpetua Resources has lauded Idaho Governor Brad Little's Executive Order 2025-02, the Strategic Permitting, Efficiency, and Economic Development (Speed) Act.

The legislation establishes a Speed council to improve coordination among state agencies, minimise permitting delays, and advance projects that promote energy independence, national security, and economic growth.

Perpetua stated that the Speed Act underscores Idaho's leadership in responsible resource development, demonstrating that streamlined permitting can coexist with stringent environmental standards. The company highlighted the legislation as a pivotal step toward advancing critical initiatives, such as the Stibnite gold project.

"We are thrilled to see Governor Little take decisive action to streamline permitting without compromising environmental integrity," said Perpetua president and CEO Jon Cherry. "The Speed Act aligns perfectly with Perpetua's vision to restore an abandoned mine site and responsibly develop domestic mineral resources for a more secure future."

Once in operation, the Stibnite project is expected to provide an average of 550 jobs to rural Idaho and a domestic source of the critical mineral antimony, which is vital for defence, technology, and energy applications.

With an estimated reserve of 148-million pounds of antimony, the project could meet up to 35% of US antimony demand in its initial six years of production, significantly reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

Late last year, China, which is responsible for nearly half of all mined antimony output worldwide, cut off antimony exports to the US.

"The Speed Act exemplifies Idaho's common sense, forward-thinking leadership," said Ben Davenport, executive director of the Idaho Mining Association. "We hope that by improving communication and coordination, Idaho can help vital projects like the Stibnite gold project deliver hundreds of well-paid and highly-skilled jobs to our rural communities."

American Exploration and Mining Association executive director Mark Compton hailed Idaho's Speed Act as a “model for the nation”.

"With enhanced coordination and reduced inefficiencies, Idaho projects like the Stibnite gold project can better deliver the critical minerals our nation needs while safeguarding the environment."