Idaho exists because of mining. The discovery of gold out west led to one of the largest migrations in American history, and within six months, word got out, and stakes were claimed all over. This made Idaho one of the only states settled from west to east and forever coined our nickname, “the Gem State.” Now, here in the present, we need to once again prioritize our mining industry to support not only Idahoans but our great nation.

In February, the Idaho Mining Association hosted Mining Day at the Idaho State Capitol, where mining companies from across the state gathered to share information about exploration, development, and operating activities with our lawmakers. As America’s appetite for more energy, faster technology, and updated infrastructure continues to grow, so does our need for minerals.

Today, the U.S. depends heavily on foreign nations for the very minerals that power our smartphones, bolster our national defense, and support our modern way of life. Unfortunately, many of these nations are geopolitically unfriendly and willing to manipulate supply chains, leaving the U.S. exposed and vulnerable.

This is a problem we can solve right here at home. 

The U.S. possesses nearly all the mineral resources needed to support our country’s long-term growth, innovation, and national security. Idaho, in particular, is well-positioned to aid this push, as we currently sit atop world class mineral deposits. Mining has long been a backbone of Idaho’s economy, contributing $2.4 billion to the state’s gross product in 2025 and supporting more than 12,800 direct and indirect jobs. And Idaho’s mining industry is still growing. 

What stands in the way now is not geology, it’s policy. 

Mining in the U.S. operates under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the world. It's designed to ensure the responsible management of our land, water, and communities in which we operate. While these safeguards are extremely important, it can take up to three decades to permit a single mine, making the U.S. one of the slowest nations globally to bring new projects online.

Regulation is essential, but a permitting system that is unclear, inconsistent, and endlessly delayed ultimately undermines its own purpose. We need a process that is both rigorous and predictable. 

There are signs of progress. Idaho has implemented legislative and policy changes to improve the permitting process at the state level and encourage mineral investment in Idaho. Federal efforts are also underway to streamline NEPA reviews, signaling a growing bipartisan recognition that permitting reform is necessary. The addition of ten new minerals to the U.S. Geological Survey’s critical minerals list further underscores the urgency of fast-tracking more domestic production.

This is not the industry it was a century ago. Modern mining requires extensive environmental review, up-front financial assurances to prevent long-term harm, extensive community engagement, and continuous oversight from multiple agencies. 

The truth today is mining in America is safe, highly regulated, environmentally responsible, and deeply rooted in the local communities. Idaho’s miners are our friends and our neighbors, and are active stewards of the land they call home. They understand that responsible mining and environmental protection are not opposing goals, but shared obligations. And they have stepped up to do this critical work at a time when we most need it.

If the U.S. is serious about supporting innovation, strengthening its economy, and reducing reliance on unstable foreign supply chains, domestic mining must be part of the solution. Now is the time to look to Idaho; we have the resources and the regulatory framework to lead the way.

One thing remains true: mining has and will always run deep in Idaho’s veins.

Benjamin Davenport is the executive vice president of the Idaho Mining Association.