Valley County Commissioners convened on October 8, 2023, to engage with representatives from Perpetua Resources regarding a development agreement linked to the Stibnite Gold Project. The meeting highlighted concerns over housing availability and the broader community impact resulting from the mining project.
Commissioner Sherry Maupin criticized the proposed “community impact and benefit agreement,” stating that it insufficiently addresses the potential surge in housing demand. The agreement aims to hold Perpetua accountable for increased use of local services, including emergency medical services, solid waste management, recreation, roads, and housing during both the construction and operational phases of the mine.
The commissioners opted to postpone discussions on the agreement until their next meeting scheduled for October 22 at the Valley County Courthouse in Cascade, Idaho. The development agreement is a prerequisite of the conditional use permit granted in 2020 for a logistics facility located approximately eight miles east of Idaho Highway 55. This agreement encompasses all operations related to the Stibnite Gold Project, which received approval from the U.S. Forest Service in January.
Construction of the Stibnite gold mine, located about 40 miles east of McCall, is projected to cost around $2.2 billion and is expected to take three years before mining activities commence. The mining operations are slated to last between 12 to 15 years, followed by a reclamation and closure period of three to five years. Additionally, Perpetua has expressed intentions to expand the project beyond the currently permitted three open-pit mines.
During the meeting, Perpetua representatives, including legal counsel Deborah Nelson and community relations manager Belinda Provancher, presented a draft agreement outlining the company’s commitments to local housing initiatives. Perpetua plans to provide up to 1,080 beds for workers during the construction phase and up to 600 beds during mining operations, complete with amenities such as laundry and food services.
Nelson emphasized that offering on-site housing for employees is the most immediate measure the company can undertake. “On-site housing, taking care of their employees, is the most direct thing we can do,” she remarked.
Despite these commitments, Commissioner Maupin argued that the provision of on-site housing fails to mitigate the increased demand for housing across the county. She reiterated the necessity for Perpetua to address housing availability on the valley floor, stating, “My vote will be not to sign this unless we mitigate housing on the valley floor.”
Maupin further elaborated, “You are creating housing for a part of the family unit. The rest of that family unit is going to live somewhere else on this valley floor.” She expressed concerns that the rapid growth associated with the mining operation would not resemble natural growth patterns in the area.
The commissioner suggested that Perpetua contribute $150,000 to the West Central Mountains Housing Trust, which assists individuals earning between 30% to 80% below the average median income with housing solutions. Currently, the trust manages several rental homes in Donnelly, New Meadows, and McCall, with additional properties under development in Cascade.
While Commissioner Neal Thompson did not propose funding for the trust, he supported the idea of requiring Perpetua to finance a biannual study examining the Stibnite Gold Project’s impact on local housing. “I think a biannual review of looking at contracts, what’s going on, how’s this working, that’s a very smart idea on all of our parts,” Thompson stated.
In contrast, Commissioner Katlin Caldwell argued that Perpetua should only be obligated to provide on-site housing for employees, asserting that the mine’s operations would not significantly impact the existing housing situation. “I don’t see that the mine coming in is going to really detrimentally affect our current housing situation,” Caldwell explained, attributing current housing challenges to issues stemming from short-term rentals.
The ongoing negotiations between Valley County Commissioners and Perpetua Resources reflect broader concerns about the intersection of industrial development and community welfare. As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding a balanced approach that addresses local housing needs while accommodating the expansion of the Stibnite Gold Project.
