Gold, Antimony, and Salmon: How One Mine Is Shaping Idaho’s Future
How Perpetua Resources Is Combining National Defense with Environmental Restoration to Bring Salmon Back to Central Idaho.
Editorial Team (ET)May 5, 2025
The revival of Idaho’s Stibnite mine, led by Perpetua Resources, represents a remarkable convergence of two seemingly opposing goals: securing national defense and restoring environmental health. Nestled deep in the Payette National Forest, this project aims to extract the essential metalloid antimony while simultaneously rehabilitating critical salmon streams that have long suffered from pollution. The story of Stibnite is one of historical significance, ecological damage, and a renewed vision for how mining can serve both national and environmental interests.
A Rich History Tied to War Efforts
Stibnite mine played a pivotal role during World War II, producing essential supplies of tungsten and antimony for the U.S. war effort. These metals were used in ammunition, explosives, and other critical war materials. By the end of the war, the mine had contributed to the nation’s victory but left behind a toxic legacy, including the infamous “Glory Hole,” a pit that blocked the migration of Chinook salmon. When the mine was shut down in 1997, it left behind significant environmental damage, including over a million tons of toxic mine tailings.
Antimony: A Strategic Resource for National Security
Antimony remains a key material in today’s defense and technology sectors. It’s used in everything from ammunition and semiconductors to night vision gear and solar panels. The global antimony market, however, is heavily dominated by China, which controls around 90% of the world’s supply. This poses a strategic vulnerability for the U.S., making the reopening of Stibnite crucial for reducing dependency on foreign sources. Perpetua Resources, under the leadership of CEO Laurel Sayers, is poised to tap into the mine’s estimated 75,000 tons of antimony reserves, helping to break China’s grip on the market.
The Vision of Laurel Sayers and Perpetua Resources
Laurel Sayers, with a background in conservation, recognized the opportunity to combine responsible mining practices with environmental restoration. When she became CEO of Perpetua Resources, she envisioned a project that not only extracted valuable resources but also addressed the environmental damage left by previous operations. “We didn’t make this mess, but we are willing to be part of the solution,” says Sayers, who has guided the company through a complex federal permitting process to ensure the project meets strict environmental standards.
Restoring Salmon Habitats
One of the most significant environmental challenges facing the Stibnite mine project is the restoration of salmon streams. For decades, the toxic tailings from mining operations polluted the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River, blocking the migration of Chinook salmon. These fish, after making an arduous journey from the Pacific Ocean, were met with impassable barriers and toxic waters.
Perpetua’s restoration plan includes removing more than 325,000 tons of toxic tailings and reengineering 20 miles of streams to make them accessible to salmon once again. The project also involves restoring 450 acres of wetlands and planting over 65,000 trees to help lower water temperatures, creating a more salmon-friendly environment. These efforts are critical for the return of the salmon to their ancestral spawning grounds.
National Security and the Stibnite Mine
While environmental restoration is a major aspect of the Stibnite project, its strategic importance to national security cannot be overstated. The U.S. Department of Defense has already invested $70 million into the project, recognizing the need for a domestic supply of antimony to reduce reliance on China. Gold mining will help finance the restoration efforts, creating a symbiotic relationship between defense and environmentalism. The extraction of gold, projected at 300,000 ounces annually, will also generate significant revenue for Perpetua Resources, ensuring the long-term viability of the project.
Environmental and Legal Challenges
The Stibnite project has not been without its share of challenges. Environmental groups and local tribes have voiced concerns about the potential impact of new mining operations on the region’s ecosystems. Perpetua has spent the last eight years navigating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, addressing public concerns, and revising their environmental plans to reduce arsenic levels in the water and ensure cooler, salmon-friendly river temperatures.
In 2022, the Nez Perce tribe reached a $5 million settlement with Perpetua over violations of the Clean Water Act, reflecting ongoing concerns about water quality. Despite this, the company has moved forward with its restoration efforts, investing $17 million in environmental work to date. While opposition remains, the Pentagon’s backing and the strategic need for antimony make it unlikely that the project will be derailed.
Financial Outlook and Long-Term Impact
The financial prospects for Perpetua Resources are closely tied to the price of gold, which has soared to record highs in recent years. At current prices, the mine is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual profit, making it an attractive investment for those seeking exposure to both gold and strategic minerals like antimony. However, the company’s stock has been volatile, with significant fluctuations in recent years as investors weigh the risks and rewards of the project.
Ultimately, the success of the Stibnite mine will be measured not just in financial terms, but by the return of the Chinook salmon to the region. As Laurel Sayers puts it, “All you have to do is see the salmon come back and spawn again.”
Conclusion
The Stibnite mine project represents a rare alignment of national security interests and environmental conservation. By extracting critical minerals like antimony while restoring vital salmon habitats, Perpetua Resources is setting a new standard for responsible mining in the 21st century. As the project moves forward, it has the potential to secure a key resource for the U.S. defense industry while healing the damage done to Idaho’s rivers and streams. For both the Pentagon and the salmon, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
