Governor Gianforte Celebrates Expansion of U.S. Antimony in Thompson Falls

Governor Gianforte Celebrates Expansion of U.S. Antimony in Thompson Falls

• September 25 2025

THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined community leaders and executives from United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) to celebrate the groundbreaking on a new expansion at the facility near Thompson Falls.

"By producing critical minerals here at home, we are creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our supply chains, and reducing our reliance on foreign sources," Governor Gianforte said. "This groundbreaking is about more than mining, it's about Montana leading the way in critical mineral production and safeguarding our national security."

Gov. Gianforte speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony at the USAC facility in Thompson Falls

In 1969, USAC was established in Montana to mine antimony which is a critical mineral for national defense, energy, batteries, ammunition, and semiconductors. The groundbreaking ceremony held today commemorates the expansion project on the smelter facility that is already underway.

The smelter can produce up to 15 million pounds of antimony oxide or 5 million pounds of antimony metal annually and refines silver and gold, with monthly capacities of approximately 10,000 ounces of silver and 50 ounces of gold. The project includes up to $15 million in capital investment and the creation of 25 new jobs in Sanders County. Once completed, the expansion is expected to increase production from 100 tons per month to more than 500 tons, a 400% increase in processing capacity from current levels. The Thompson Falls smelter remains as the only facility of its kind in the United States.

With China controlling 85 percent of the world's antimony production, Montana's renewed and continued operations will help secure domestic supply and strengthen U.S. industries. During his comments, the governor underscored the importance of strengthening state and federal support of U.S. companies creating American-made energy.

"We cannot and must not be reliant upon China for these minerals. That's why President Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and others have made the production of critical minerals like antimony a top priority. With Montana's rich tradition of mining, we can and should be a national leader," Gov. Gianforte added.

This week, USAC announced it was awarded a $245 million contract by the Department of Defense to supply antimony to aid in the replenishment of the National Defense Stockpile that supports the U.S. military.

"This significant expansion, along with new innovations being implemented, underscores USAC's ability to move swiftly in an effort to respond to shifts and demands for not only our industrial customers, but now our U.S. Military," said Gary C. Evans, Chairman & CEO of USAC.

Earlier this year, Governor Gianforte joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House to celebrate executive actions aimed at unleashing American energy and strengthening domestic production of critical minerals. The visit highlighted Montana's role in creating good-paying jobs, supporting national security, and ensuring access to affordable, reliable energy.

Governor Gianforte has also established the Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force to develop strategies for increasing the supply of affordable and reliable energy in Montana. The task force, which held its first meeting earlier this week, is charged with providing short- and long-term recommendations and strategies for Montana to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy options.

A video recording of the groundbreaking ceremony may be viewed here.