A smelting facility in Montana is set to enhance U.S. national security supply chains by producing antimony, a vital metal for industrial and military use. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and U.S. Antimony Corporation CEO Gary Evans celebrated the expansion of the country’s only antimony smelter located near Thompson Falls. During the Sept. 25 groundbreaking, Evans highlighted antimony’s role in global bullet production.
Antimony fortifies alloys in bullets and primers and is crucial in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, semiconductors, and military applications like night vision goggles. U.S. Antimony Corporation, founded in 1969, has ceased Montana mining since 1983 due to cheaper foreign materials, with China currently supplying 85% of the world’s antimony.
Gianforte emphasized disengaging from unfriendly supply chains, noting the U.S. government’s priority on critical minerals. Evans reported the facility’s expansion began in May, with a 40% completion rate, targeting full completion by December or January. The Thompson Falls site, capable of producing 15 million pounds of antimony oxide or 5 million pounds of metal, will increase output by 400% and add 25 jobs.
USAC secured a $245 million contract with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency to bolster the National Defense Stockpile. The company also operates a Mexican smelter and expanded mining in Alaska, reacquiring mining claims over 1,200 acres. A Small Miners Exclusion Statement allows immediate mining on five acres, with further exploration permits planned.
The Stibnite Gold Mine in Idaho, near USAC’s facility, holds one of the largest domestic antimony supplies. Though inactive since the 1990s, it aims to resume operations, drawing attention from the U.S. Army for its strategic raw material significance. Conservation groups, however, have challenged the mine’s air permit.
Evans confirmed the expansion’s pre-contract planning and expressed pride in fulfilling the defense contract while preserving the area’s pristine environment. He remarked on the patriotic contribution of Montanans in supplying antimony for the military.
—
Read More Montana News
