Thompson Falls Antimony Expansion Creates 25 Jobs as Montana Breaks Chinese Mineral Dependence

THOMPSON FALLS — A small Sanders County community is positioning itself at the center of America’s push to break free from Chinese control of critical minerals, as United States Antimony Corporation expands the nation’s only antimony smelter with a $15 million investment that will quadruple production capacity.

The expansion, celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday, will create 25 new jobs in Thompson Falls and boost monthly antimony production from 100 tons to more than 500 tons — a 400% increase that comes as the U.S. military seeks domestic sources for defense stockpiles.

“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.

The timing proves crucial as China controls 85% of global antimony production, a mineral essential for ammunition, batteries, semiconductors and national defense systems. Last week, USAC secured a $245 million Defense Department contract to supply antimony for the National Defense Stockpile.

Montana’s 56-year-old antimony operation represents the country’s sole domestic smelting capacity for the strategic mineral. The Thompson Falls facility currently produces up to 15 million pounds of antimony oxide or 5 million pounds of antimony metal annually, while also refining approximately 10,000 ounces of silver and 50 ounces of gold monthly.

The expansion builds on Montana’s growing role in critical minerals production, as federal policymakers seek alternatives to Chinese supply chains that have dominated strategic mineral markets.

Governor Greg Gianforte, who attended Wednesday’s ceremony, framed the project within broader national security imperatives.

“By producing critical minerals here at home, we are creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our supply chains, and reducing our reliance on foreign sources,” 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.”

The governor emphasized federal support for domestic mineral production, noting recent White House visits and policy discussions aimed at boosting American energy independence.

“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,” Gianforte said.

For Sanders County, the expansion represents significant economic development in a region where mining jobs provide family-sustaining wages. The 25 new positions will add to USAC’s existing workforce at the facility established in 1969.

The project aligns with broader state efforts to position Montana as a critical minerals hub. Gianforte recently launched an Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force, which held its first meeting this week to develop strategies for increasing affordable and reliable energy supply in Montana.

Montana’s strategic importance in critical minerals extends beyond antimony. Recent federal initiatives could unlock valuable minerals from the state’s abandoned mine sites, while ongoing trade disputes have highlighted vulnerabilities in mineral supply chains that affect Montana mining jobs.

USAC’s expansion timeline and completion date were not immediately specified, though company officials indicated the project is already underway following the groundbreaking ceremony.