{
  "id": 2221724,
  "title": "High-grade Ima resource boosts Idaho tungsten revival",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/high-grade-ima-resource-boosts-idaho-tungsten-revival",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-20T20:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mining.com",
    "slug": "mining-com",
    "url": "https://www.mining.com/high-grade-ima-resource-boosts-idaho-tungsten-revival/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Ima positioned as the state’s highest grade tungsten project where the critical metal is in the primary commodity.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}