ID HJM021

Idaho Legislature urges federal officials to award grant money to American Tungsten for development of the IMA mine in Lemhi County, which would become the only tungsten-producing mine in the United States once permitted

China currently dominates over 80% of the global tungsten supply and has recently banned tungsten exports, creating national security concerns for U.S. defense applications including armor-piercing ammunition and missile components

The IMA mine is located on private land with patented rights, requiring only state and local permits rather than federal authorization, and sits above the water table with existing infrastructure from historical mining operations

Legislature encourages state agencies and local governments to approve American Tungsten's permits in a timely manner so the mine can be developed

American Tungsten has committed to providing a new fire station to the city of Challis and pledges high-paying jobs, environmental reclamation standards, and economic benefits for Lemhi and Custer counties