America is continually taking steps to cut its dependence on Chinese refining of critical minerals, focusing on domestic capacity and alternative partners to secure supply chains.
In a recent stride for greater independence, Perpetua Resources Corp (TSE: PPTA) (NASDAQ: PPTA), the US Army and the Idaho National Laboratory opened a modular antimony pilot plant in Idaho Falls with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jul. 29. Idaho Governor Brad Little, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, Congressman Mike Simpson and laboratory director John Wagner joined Perpetua chief executive Jon Cherry at the event.
The plant will process samples from Perpetua’s Stibnite gold-antimony project in central Idaho to produce antimony trisulfide suited to military and industrial needs. Antimony hardens ammunition, supports night vision equipment, missiles, nuclear applications, semiconductors, batteries, solar glass and flame retardants.
The inauguration comes after China imposed successive export controls from 2023 and a targeted ban on the United States in late 2024, prompting sustained American efforts to rebuild processing capacity. The facility forms part of a multi year Army collaboration that has directed more than 87 million dollars in federal support to Perpetua since 2022.
Perpetua Resources stock rose about 7 per cent on the news. The American National Mining Association offered its congratulations on social media.
“I’m proud to have supported this partnership from the beginning and look forward to seeing the important role it will play for our country,” said Simpson in a news release from Perpetua.
Read more: NevGold appoints Nevada government affairs veteran Scott Bensing to board
Trade tensions backdrop and alternative supplies
China has suspended its ban on antimony exports to the United States until Nov. 27, but broader licensing requirements and restrictions on military end users remain. The temporary pause eases immediate pressure somewhat, but little antimony shipments have been flowing into the U.S. from China nonetheless.
Washington has therefore pursued other reliable sources. In June, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Tajikistan’s foreign minister to discuss expanded commercial ties in critical minerals, noting the Central Asian nation’s standing as the world’s second largest antimony producer with substantial untapped reserves.
South Korea has also stepped forward to help the Americans. Korea Zinc Inc (KRX: 0101030) started making shipments of antimony to American industrial and defence customers in 2025 and plans to raise volumes further, offering another alternative amid persistent supply concerns.
Broader domestic efforts take shape
The Idaho pilot plant forms one element of a wider push to ease supply challenges across several states.
In Nevada, NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50) just published its first mineral resource estimate at Limo Butte, a site that offers a relatively quick path to production because material already sits ready for processing on site. Government support has also reached United States Antimony Corp (NYSE: UAMY), which received US$27 million in March to expand its Montana refining operations and begin extraction work in Alaska. This builds on an earlier large defence stockpile contract.
Parallel progress continues in Alaska as well, where Nova Minerals Ltd (OTCMKTS: NVAAF) (FRA: QM3) (ASX: NVA) is advancing its Estelle project with US$43.4 million in federal funding aimed at military-grade output. Moreover, Felix Gold Ltd (ASX: FXG) (OTCMKTS: FXGDF) (FRA: W0X) is currently stockpiling high-grade material at Treasure Creek that already meets military specifications. Closer to the Idaho plant, the Galena Complex run by Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (TSE: USA) (NYSEAMERICAN: USAS) (FRA: SZ71) remains the country’s largest active antimony producer and is now developing additional processing capacity through a joint venture with UAMY.
Antimony prices have eased in recent months. Chinese values fell more than 20 per cent during July under weaker demand and greater overseas availability. Western markets still command a premium in comparison to past years despite the considerable dip, but volatility remains a concern.
Read more: Strategic U.S. antimony resource emerges in NevGold’s Nevada MRE
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