US Antimony Montana Smelter Expansion to Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Processing

US Antimony

Capacity to Increase Six-Fold Amid Strategic Demand for Antimony

The US Antimony Montana smelter expansion marks a significant step in strengthening America’s domestic critical mineral infrastructure. US Antimony announced plans to increase capacity six-fold to 300 tons/month, reinforcing its role as the only operational antimony smelter in the United States. The $15 million project will support growing demand across flame retardants, defense applications, and lead-alloy battery manufacturing.

Domestic Processing Capabilities Get a Strategic Boost

The US Antimony Montana smelter expansion is particularly timely, given rising geopolitical interest in critical mineral self-sufficiency. Antimony plays a key role in military-grade materials and energy storage, making local refining capacity strategically vital. The company also restarted its Madero smelter in Mexico earlier this month, signaling broader regional efforts to scale up antimony processing in North America.

Investment Reflects Long-Term Critical Mineral Prioritization

The Montana expansion supports U.S. government goals under the Defense Production Act and various critical minerals strategies aimed at reducing import dependence. As China dominates global antimony supply chains, initiatives like the US Antimony Montana smelter expansion enhance national resilience while meeting industrial and defense-related demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The US Antimony Montana smelter expansion underscores a pivotal reshoring trend in the U.S. critical minerals sector. As antimony remains essential for both civilian and military supply chains, expanding domestic smelting capacity is a strategic and economic imperative.