Core Viewpoint - Perpetua Resources Corp. has submitted a formal application to the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for potential debt financing of up to $2 billion to construct the Stibnite Gold Project, which aims to establish a domestic source of antimony and produce gold [2][3][4]. Group 1: Project Financing and Application - The application amount has increased from $1.8 billion to $2 billion, reflecting a higher estimated number of job-years based on recent financial updates and engineering work [1][3]. - EXIM is expected to conduct standard due diligence on the application, assessing the project's eligibility under relevant initiatives [2][3]. - The financing, if approved, could cover a majority of the project's development costs, enhancing the U.S. competitive position against China in antimony production [5][6]. Group 2: Strategic Importance of the Project - The Stibnite Gold Project is positioned as a national strategic asset for domestic antimony production and is also recognized as a world-class gold asset [4][5]. - The project aims to restore a secure supply of antimony for the U.S., which is critical for national defense, especially after China blocked global antimony exports in 2024 [5][6]. - Perpetua Resources has received a Technology Investment Agreement of $59.2 million in Defense Production Act funding to advance the project [7]. Group 3: Regulatory and Permitting Progress - Perpetua has received its final federal permit, the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit, marking the end of an eight-year federal permitting process [6]. - The company is now focused on obtaining remaining state permits and securing financing to commence construction [6][7].