Editor’s note: Linda Prier’s past reporting has stated that Perpetua Resources plans to hire approximately 500 people for this project. The construction that will take place before the actual mining begins will take three years and cost $1.8 billion and start this summer. Vendors and potential employees are encouraged to apply on the Perpetua Resources website: http://perpetuaresources.com/project.
When asked what sort of jobs would be available, Belinda Provancher, Perpetua’s Community Relations Manager, said to imagine what it would take to run a small city; that’s what they need.
Both the Nez Perce Tribe and the Idaho Conservation League are suing over the project, but Perpetua expected that to happen and is prepared.
Payette National Forest Releases Final Record of Decision for the Stibnite Gold Project McCall, Idaho, January 6, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service released the Final Record of Decision for the Stibnite Gold Project Jan. 3, 2025 after Payette National Forest Supervisor Matthew Davis and Boise National Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen signed the final decision. The Stibnite Gold Project is a proposed mining operation in central Idaho on the Payette and Boise National Forests that would create one of the largest gold, silver, and antimony mines in the United States.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision were released Sept. 6, 2024. Immediately following the release, a 45-day objection period and subsequent objection resolution period occurred. The objection resolution period culminated in a set of changes that strengthen the final decision. On Dec. 18, 2024, objection responses were issued by the deputy regional forester.
The Final Record of Decision outlines the Forest Service’s decision to authorize a mining operation as proposed by Perpetua Resources, LLC in their 2021 Modified Mine Plan and to approve a special use authorization for transmission line upgrades and installation of a new power transmission line with supporting infrastructure. Additionally, the decision approves project-specific plan amendments to the 2003 Payette National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and the 2010 Boise National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan as amended.
“The signing of this decision represents the culmination of over seven years of scientific study and analysis. Through collaboration with interested parties and partnership with our cooperating agencies, the record of decision incorporates input from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives,” said Forest Supervisor Matthew Davis. “I am grateful for the input the Payette National Forest has received in the development of the environmental impact statement and am confident that the decision signed today is better for it.”
The Final Record of Decision and supporting documents can be found on the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/payette/?project=50516.
