Resolution Minerals Strengthens U.S. Position with High-Level Washington Appointment
Resolution Minerals (ASX: RML) has taken a strategic step forward in its U.S. ambitions by appointing accomplished Washington D.C.-based Clewett Global Services to support its government engagement strategy. This move positions RML to potentially access significant federal funding and expedite the development of its promising Horse Heaven Antimony-Gold-Silver-Tungsten project in Idaho.
Strategic Washington Alignment Opens Doors to Federal Funding
In a strategic move that could significantly accelerate project development, Resolution Minerals has brought on Todd Clewett, Founding Partner of Clewett Global Services, to spearhead its U.S. government engagement efforts. Clewett brings exceptional credentials, having previously led external affairs for mining giants Newmont Corporation and Fortescue.
This appointment comes at a critical time as Resolution considers applying for U.S. Department of Defense funding to fast-track its Horse Heaven Project. The timing appears particularly advantageous, with neighboring Perpetua Resources (PPTA.NAS) recently receiving up to US$74 million in DOD funding for its adjacent Stibnite project, which received final approval from the U.S. Forest Service.
"We are extremely honoured for Todd Clewett to want to work with us. We feel very excited that he shares the enthusiasm for the Horse Heaven project and sees the massive potential here. 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." – Aharon Zaetz, Executive Director
Horse Heaven: A Strategic Critical Minerals Asset
The Horse Heaven Project is situated in a prime location directly adjacent to Perpetua Resources' $2 billion Stibnite Gold and Antimony Project. Historical exploration has revealed strong gold, antimony and silver mineralisation in two highly prospective structurally controlled corridors, with geological characteristics reported to be similar to the neighbouring Stibnite project.
What makes this project particularly significant is its potential to supply antimony, tungsten and other critical minerals that are currently trading at record-high prices and in high demand for both defence applications and renewable technologies.
Understanding FAST-41: The Critical Path to Accelerated Development
What is FAST-41?
FAST-41 represents a potentially game-changing opportunity for mining projects like Horse Heaven. Established under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, this program is designed to streamline the federal environmental review and permitting process for projects deemed nationally significant.
The program offers three key benefits:
- Increased predictability in permitting timelines
- Enhanced transparency throughout the process
- Significantly faster decision-making from regulatory authorities
Resolution's neighbour, Perpetua Resources, became the first mining project accepted under FAST-41 in April 2025, setting a precedent for Resolution's own potential application. Other major projects currently benefiting from FAST-41 include:
| Company | Project | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Perpetua Resources (PPTA.NAS) | Stibnite Gold Project | Idaho |
| Jindalee Resources (ASX:JLL) | McDermitt Lithium Project | Oregon |
| BHP and Rio Tinto | Resolution Copper Project | Arizona |
| South32 (ASX:S32) | Hermosa Critical Minerals Project | Arizona |
Tapping Into Billions in U.S. Government Critical Minerals Funding
Resolution is positioning itself to capitalise on substantial government funding opportunities. The proposed 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill (informally known as the 'Big Beautiful Bill') includes:
- US$2.5 billion to support U.S. production of critical minerals via the National Defense Stockpile
- US$500 million allocated to the Department of Defense Credit Program for loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance
With this bill expected to pass by July 2025, Resolution has reportedly begun planning to pursue all available funding options.
Critical Minerals: National Security and Economic Imperative
Following China's total ban on exports of critical metals to the U.S. in late 2024, securing domestic supply chains has become a top priority for the current Administration. Antimony and tungsten, both present at Horse Heaven, are particularly crucial for defence applications and renewable technologies.
This national security imperative creates a unique window of opportunity for Resolution Minerals to position itself as a potential partner in the U.S. critical minerals supply chain at a time when these commodities are trading at record-high prices.
Understanding Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are resources that are essential for economic and national security but face potential supply chain vulnerabilities. The U.S. government has identified numerous minerals as "critical" based on their importance to both the economy and national defence, combined with risks to their supply.
Antimony, one of the key minerals at Horse Heaven, is considered critical because:
- It is essential for flame-retardant materials used in military applications
- It serves as a crucial component in batteries, ceramics, and glass manufacturing
- The U.S. currently has almost no domestic production, with China controlling approximately 53% of global supply
Tungsten, another mineral present at Horse Heaven, is valuable for:
- Its exceptional hardness and heat resistance in military applications
- Critical uses in electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries
- Limited domestic production in the U.S., with China controlling about 82% of global supply
Both minerals have experienced significant price increases recently due to supply constraints and growing demand from both defence and clean energy sectors. This price environment potentially enhances the economic viability of new mining projects like Horse Heaven.
Why Investors Should Follow Resolution Minerals
Resolution Minerals presents a compelling investment case based on several key factors:
-
Strategic Asset Location: The Horse Heaven Project sits adjacent to a $2 billion approved project with reportedly similar geological characteristics
-
Critical Minerals Exposure: Direct exposure to antimony, tungsten, gold, and silver – all currently trading at record-high prices
-
Government Support Potential: Following the precedent set by Perpetua Resources, Resolution is positioning to potentially access significant federal funding and expedited permitting
-
High-Level Expertise: The appointment of Todd Clewett brings Washington influence and mining industry expertise that few junior miners can match
-
Market Timing: With critical minerals prices at record highs and U.S. government funding becoming available, Resolution is making its move at what could be an opportune moment
Resolution Minerals has positioned itself at the intersection of critical mineral security, government priority, and strategic asset development – creating a potential inflection point for investors watching this emerging story.
Ready to Capitalise on Critical Minerals and Government Funding?
Discover how Resolution Minerals is strategically positioning itself at the intersection of U.S. national security priorities, critical minerals demand, and potential government funding opportunities. With the appointment of Washington insider Todd Clewett and its promising Horse Heaven Project adjacent to a $2 billion approved development, RML offers investors unique exposure to antimony, tungsten, gold and silver at a time of record-high prices. For more detailed information about Resolution Minerals and its strategic initiatives, visit their website today.
