Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTC:RLMLF) Ltd is accelerating the development of its Horse Heaven Antimony-Gold-Silver-Tungsten Project in Idaho by aligning with the United States Government’s critical minerals strategy. The company has engaged Washington, D.C.-based advisers, Clewett Global Services, to support a targeted government engagement program, including pursuit of funding opportunities and expedited permitting pathways.
With growing geopolitical tensions and China’s late-2024 export ban on key minerals, the US has prioritised domestic and allied supply chains for strategic resources such as antimony and tungsten. RML is actively seeking inclusion in the FAST-41 permitting program and intends to apply for potential funding under the US Department of Defense and forthcoming 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill, which earmarks billions for critical mineral supply chain development.
The proposed 2025 budget reconciliation bill earmarks US$2.5 billion for critical minerals through the National Defense Stockpile and allocates a further US$500 million to the Department of Defense Credit Program.
Resolution is assessing potential opportunities under the Title III and Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) programs, aiming to tap into these funding streams once legislation is passed.
By securing high-level US support and accessing accelerated frameworks, RML aims to fast-track Horse Heaven alongside neighbouring Perpetua Resources’ federally-backed Stibnite Project.
Founding partner of Clewett Global Services, Todd Clewett, is a highly experienced external affairs executive with a proven track record of engaging key decision-makers in Washington on mining and critical minerals initiatives. He previously led external affairs for both Newmont Corporation and Fortescue, bringing valuable expertise in navigating US government relations for resource-focused projects.
Executive director Aharon Zaetz welcomed the appointment of Clewett Global Services, stating: “We are extremely honoured for Todd Clewett to want to work with us... Todd’s experience, knowledge and network in the White House provides him with an extremely rare and unique skillset that RML shareholders are extremely privileged to benefit from.”
Strategic significance of Horse Heaven
The appointment of Clewett Global Services is set to help shape RML’s US government engagement strategy.
The company aims to capitalise on Todd Clewitt’s insight to secure support for the Horse Heaven Project, which shares geological similarities with Perpetua’s Stibnite project, =forecast to deliver 450,000 ounces of gold annually and contribute substantially to meeting United States antimony demand.
The 57-square-kilometre Horse Heaven Project site lies adjacent to Perpetua Resources' Stibnite Gold-Antimony Project, recently approved by the US Forest Service. Perpetua was fast-tracked for development in April 2025 and secured up to US$74 million in funding from the US DOD, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to advancing antimony and other critical mineral projects.
Resolution's chief executive officer Craig Lindsay spoke with Proactive about the company’s acquisition of the Horse Heaven Project in Idaho, United States.
Horse Heaven comprises past-producing mines and hosts strong gold, silver and antimony mineralisation across two mineralised corridors. RML views the project as a key asset aligned with US strategic mineral priorities.
Alignment with US critical minerals policy
In light of China’s late-2024 ban on exports of key metals to the US, the Biden Administration prioritised securing domestic supply of strategic minerals such as antimony, tungsten and gallium.
RML is positioning Horse Heaven to benefit from these policy shifts, particularly given the critical role antimony plays in defence and renewable technologies.
Perpetua’s Stibnite project became the first mining development accepted under the scheme in April, with other successful applicants including Jindalee Resources Ltd and South32 Ltd.
RML hopes to follow suit in order to accelerate permitting timelines for Horse Heaven.