WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of War will invest $27 million to expand domestic production of antimony, a critical mineral used in munitions, batteries, and flame retardants, in an effort to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
What This Means for You
- The federal government is investing $27 million to increase U.S. production of antimony, a key material used in defense systems.
- The funding will expand processing operations in Montana and support new mineral extraction efforts in Alaska.
- Officials say the move aims to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers for critical defense materials.
The funding will go to U.S. Antimony Corporation through the Defense Production Act Title III program, a federal authority that allows the government to invest in domestic industries considered essential for national defense.
Antimony is a metallic element used in a range of products including ammunition components, batteries, electronics, and flame-retardant materials.
Strengthening U.S. Supply Chains
Defense officials said the investment will help modernize and expand the company’s refining and processing operations in Montana, increasing the nation’s ability to convert raw antimony into usable materials.
The funding will also support the company’s efforts to develop domestic mining operations in Alaska.
Officials say that combination could create a vertically integrated supply chain, meaning the company would handle multiple stages of production — from mining the raw ore to refining it and producing finished materials.
“For too long, DOW has depended on overseas sources for its critical mineral production,” said Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy Mike Cadenazzi. “This investment will address risk in one of our most critical munitions and materials supply chains.”
Federal Funding Source
The investment uses funds from the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 and supports a broader federal effort to expand domestic production of critical minerals used in defense and advanced technologies.
Officials also said the investment aligns with a March 20, 2025 executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate American mineral production.
Jeffrey Frankston, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Resilience, said the project is part of a larger push to strengthen the nation’s defense manufacturing capacity.
“Strong domestic mineral supply chains are essential to support our warfighting capability,” Frankston said. “This is a crucial investment for strengthening our national defense.”
Part of Larger Defense Investments
The antimony project is one of three investments made by the Defense Production Act Purchases Office since the start of fiscal year 2026.
Those investments total $58.5 million and are overseen by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization directorate.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy coordinates these efforts with domestic and international partners to maintain secure and resilient production capacity for critical defense materials.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.