American Tungsten gets site remediation plan approved for Ima mine in Idaho

[Ben Graham]

American Tungsten (CSE:TUNG) (OTCQB:DEMRF) is planning to rehabilitate the historic Ima mine in Patterson, Idaho and expand its drilling program.  

On Wednesday the company said it has secured preliminary approval for its site remediation plan, which focuses on restoring the existing infrastructure to support future production goals. In May, the company kicked off construction and building work to support exploration and mine planning at the Ima project.

Tungsten is crucial for defense, industrial and technology applications, but production in the US ceased in 2015, when it was no longer commercially viable due to low prices and competition from China. 

China dominates global tungsten production, accounting for over 80% of last year’s total output of 81,000 tons, according to the USGS. 

Ima is a past-producing underground tungsten mine situated on 22 patented claims located in east central Idaho. Between 1945 and 1957, the property produced approximately 199,449 metric ton units of tungsten trioxide (WO3). It was subsequently explored for molybdenum and tungsten by various operators between 1960 and 2008. 

“As global demand for secure critical metals intensifies, American Tungsten continues to build strategic momentum, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of North America’s tungsten supply chain,” CEO Ali Haji said in a news release.  

“The company’s dual approach—revitalizing a historically rich asset while defining a maiden resource, positions American Tungsten at the forefront of sustainable resource advancement,” Haji said.