Lithium evaporation ponds are seen at Albemarle Lithium production facility in Silver Peak, Nevada, U.S. October 6, 2022.
These projects have been granted FAST-41 status, a federal program established in 2015 to streamline approvals for critical infrastructure. The selected projects, which include mining operations for various minerals, are listed on a U.S. federal website where their permitting progress is publicly accessible. The White House emphasized that this move promotes transparency and efficiency in the approval process: "This transparency leads to greater accountability, ensuring a more efficient process."
Among the projects are a proposed antimony and gold mine in Idaho by Perpetua Resources, a copper mine in Arizona by Rio Tinto, a copper and silver mine in Montana by Hecla Mining, an expansion of Albemarle’s lithium mine in Nevada, a direct lithium extraction project in Arkansas by Standard Lithium, and an Alabama metallurgical coal project by Warrior Met Coal, used in steel production. Additional projects are expected to be added to the fast-track list.
Perpetua Resources expressed appreciation for the designation, stating: "We are honored by this selection ... which validates the urgency and importance of our project for America's economic and national security." Rio Tinto highlighted the significance of its Arizona copper project, noting: "It is vital to securing America’s energy future and infrastructure needs with a domestic supply of copper." Albemarle also welcomed the initiative, saying: "We look forward to further engaging with the administration as it seeks to advance a U.S. lithium supply chain." Standard Lithium and Warrior Met Coal were not available for immediate comment.
The fast-tracking initiative builds on previous efforts, such as the inclusion of South32’s Hermosa zinc-manganese project in Arizona, which was the first mine to receive FAST-41 status under former President Joe Biden. The White House’s announcement underscores a commitment to accelerating domestic mineral production to meet industrial and economic demands.
The announcement follows President Trump’s recent directive to investigate potential tariffs on critical minerals imports, signaling a focus on bolstering U.S. self-sufficiency in key resources. The fast-tracked projects are expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s mineral supply, supporting industries critical to infrastructure and energy development.
