High-grade Ima resource boosts Idaho tungsten revival
Ima positioned as the state’s highest grade tungsten project where the critical metal is in the primary commodity.
American Tungsten's Ima project in northeast Idaho has been designated as the state's highest-grade tungsten mine, according to an initial resource estimate. The company reported the discovery of 316,000 indicated tonnes of ore containing 0.55% tungsten trioxide (WO₃), equivalent to 1,747 tonnes of WO₃ and 404,000 ounces of silver.
Inferred resources extend to 2.1 million tonnes grading 0.55% WO₃, holding 11,933 tonnes of WO₃ and 1.8 million ounces of silver. Surface tailings from past mining operations add another 267,000 indicated tonnes at 0.15% WO₃, comprising 413 tonnes of WO₃ and 79,000 ounces. CEO Ali Haji stated that the high-grade resource, coupled with Ima's existing infrastructure and surface tailings, provides a unique opportunity for near-term production.
As the U.S. prioritizes securing domestic sources of critical minerals like tungsten due to Chinese export controls and a lack of local production, the Ima project has gained attention. The metal is essential for applications such as armour-piercing ammunition, cutting tools, and wear-resistant alloys. Management aims to advance Ima through a two-step development strategy: Phase I tailings evaluation and potential processing, followed by Phase II underground drilling, rehabilitation, and restart planning.
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