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Committee backs memorial urging expedited permits to reopen American Tungsten’s IMA Mine near Patterson
Summary
HJM 21 expresses the Legislature's support for reopening American Tungsten's IMA Mine near Patterson in Lemhi County, citing tungsten as a critical mineral and urging expedited state permits and a federal grant to assist restoration; the committee voted to send the memorial to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Chairman Burtenshaw presented HJM 21 to the Senate Resources & Environment Committee, explaining the memorial states the Legislature supports re-opening American Tungsten's IMA Mine near Patterson in Lemhi County. He said the mine previously produced tungsten — a critical mineral used in many applications, including national defense — but closed when lower-cost imports made domestic production uneconomic. The site is on private land, and the memorial asks for expedited issuance of state permits and urges the United States Department of War to award a grant to complete restoration of the mine.
Vice Chairman Hart asked whether the mine was a past producing mine and whether it was pursuing permits; Chairman Burtenshaw confirmed both. Senator Taylor asked for the mine's approximate location, and the chairman said it is about a half-mile to a mile from Patterson, Idaho.
Senator Harris moved and Senator Guthrie seconded to send HJM 21 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote. The committee record shows constituent and legislative support for expedited permitting and federal assistance for restoration but does not record federal response or funding commitments in the minutes.
