Resolution Minerals engages Washington DC-based External Affairs advisors to accelerate FAST-41 permitting and U.S. DOD funding grants

Resolution gets DC government relations adviser Todd Clewett to put its US antimony assets on a fast-track, leveraging recent involvement in securing FAST-41 status for Jindalee Lithium.

By aligning with US Government strategic priorities, RML could progress Horse Heaven on a faster development schedule. Pic: Getty Images.

• Resolution Minerals appoints Clewett Global Services to accelerate Fast-41 status for Horse Heaven

• Resolution plans to pursue US Department of Defense funding grants under existing and incoming funding programs

• The company’s OTCQB listing is progressing

 

Special report: Resolution Minerals is kicking its US strategy into gear with the appointment of Washington DC External Affairs adviser Todd Clewett to support engagement with US federal agencies.

The appointment aims to expedite approvals for the Horse Heaven antimony-gold-silver-tungsten project under the FAST-41 framework and explore funding opportunities through the US Department of Defense’s strategic materials programs.

It’s a critical step in positioning Resolution Minerals (ASX:RML) as a trusted partner in the US critical minerals supply chain.

Clewett brings proven expertise from a distinguished career as well as his involvement at Jindalee Lithium (ASX:JLL), which recently secured FAST-41 for its McDermitt Lithium project in Oregon in April 2025.

His experience in managing political risk and navigating complex regulatory environments in the mining and infrastructure sectors includes stints with Newmont Corporation, Fortescue, Rio Tinto, First Quantum Minerals and Ok Tedi Mining.

Faster permitting pathway for mining projects

The FAST-41 program, established by Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), is a program designed to improve the timeliness, predictability, and transparency of the federal environmental review and permitting process.

It facilitates a more efficient permitting process for major infrastructure and mining projects of national importance.

FAST-41 can also offer benefits to project developers, including increased predictability and faster decision-making.

The US government has prioritised domestic and allied sources of key minerals such as antimony, tungsten and gallium recognising their importance to defence applications and renewable technologies.

Until now, the US has relied on China for the supply of many critical metals.

In response to China’s late 2024 export ban, the US has launched multiple government programs and Presidential Executive Orders to accelerate permitting and funding for domestic critical metals exploration.

‘Rare and unique skill set’

RML executive director Aharon Zaetz said the company is extremely honoured that Todd Clewett wants to work with Resolution Minerals.

“We feel very excited that he shares the enthusiasm for the Horse Heaven project and sees the massive potential here,” he said.

“Todd’s skillset in obtaining US government funding, government permits and navigating the company through the FAST-41 program, will be an invaluable asset to RML.

“Todd’s frequency in the White House provides him with an extremely rare and unique skillset that RML shareholders are extremely privileged to benefit from.”

Background on Horse Heaven

RML acquired the 5644-hectare Horse Heaven project in Idaho last week to capitalise on the demand for alternative sources of critical minerals.

The project hosts two highly prospective gold-antimony-tungsten prospects known as the Antimony Ridge Fault Zone and the Golden Gate Fault Zone and shares its eastern boundary with NASDAQ listed Perpetua Resources’ 4Moz gold and 148Mlb antimony Stibnite project.

Multiple drill ready targets have already been defined with a Phase 1 drilling campaign of 20 core holes totalling up to 6000m now in preparation.

OTCQB listing

An OTCQB Markets listing, nearing completion, is expected to boost the RML’s profile and trading accessibility for North American investors.

As well as complimenting its existing presence on the ASX, the US listing process – which was initiated 90 days ago – underscores RML’s commitment to broadening its shareholder base and improving liquidity.

It marks a significant step in RML’s strategic growth plan and paves the way for a fast-track stepping stone to a potential NASDAQ listing in the future.

What else is happening?

RML’s move into the United States has been engineered off the back of numerous policies designed to revive America’s mining industry and improve its investment attractiveness.

The proposed 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill includes US$2.5 billion to support US production of critical minerals via the National Defense Stockpile.

There’s also US$500 million allocated to the Department of Defense Credit Program for loans, loan guarantees and technical assistance aimed at developing reliable sources of critical minerals—both within the US and among key international allies.

Congress is expected to pass this bill (in some form) by the end of July 2025.

RML has started to pursue all its available options to apply for funding that may become available upon passing of this proposed bill.

This article was developed in collaboration with Resolution Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as Resolution Minerals engages Washington DC-based External Affairs advisors to accelerate FAST-41 permitting and U.S. DOD funding grants