The ⁢U.S. Forest Service ‍has conditionally approved the construction of an open-pit gold and antimony mine in idaho, a decision met with opposition from tribal⁢ members and environmental activists who contend the project’s environmental review is deficient.

Perpetua ⁤Resources‘ Stibnite Gold Project received the green light, fulfilling the terms of a record of decision issued ‌in January, the company announced Friday.⁣ Construction is contingent upon Perpetua providing the necessary joint financial assurance ⁢bonding.

According to Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua ⁤Resources, the approval follows an “extensive permitting review” spanning eight⁢ years. He stated the Stibnite mine will be the first domestic source of antimony, a crucial component in munitions and advanced defense⁤ systems, while concurrently addressing existing pollution at the site.

“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,”

Jon Cherry, President ⁣and CEO of Perpetua resources