UAMY vs. TMC: A Faceoff Between Two Emerging Critical Minerals Strategies

Core Insights - The global competition for critical minerals is intensifying, with United States Antimony Corporation (UAMY) focusing on domestic antimony mining and The Metals Company (TMC) pursuing deep-sea nodule extraction for key minerals [1][2] UAMY Overview - UAMY is experiencing significant revenue growth, with a 160% year-over-year increase in the first half of 2025, reaching $17.5 million, and gross profit rising by 183% [5] - By the third quarter of 2025, UAMY's revenues for nine months reached $26.2 million, up 182%, with gross margins expanding from 24% to 28% [5] - The company has restored domestic antimony mining for the first time in approximately 40 years at Stibnite Hill, Montana, with ore grades expected to exceed 10% [6] - UAMY has expanded its processing capacity at the Thompson Falls facility and remains the only domestic processor and producer of antimony products, aligning with U.S. defense supply-chain priorities [9] - UAMY is also exploring additional critical minerals, including tungsten and cobalt, to replicate its antimony model [10][11] TMC Overview - TMC is focused on a long-term strategy for harvesting polymetallic nodules from the deep seabed, with no revenues reported in the last two quarters but significant regulatory and technological advancements [13] - The company published studies indicating a combined net present value of over $23 billion for its NORI-D project and broader resources [13] - TMC has made progress in engineering innovations for its nodule collector system and has successfully converted nodule-derived manganese silicate into battery-grade manganese sulfate [14][15] - Regulatory compliance under the U.S. Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act is crucial for TMC, with expectations for commercial recovery by Q4 2027 [17] - TMC maintains a strong liquidity position with $165 million in cash and potential from warrants exceeding $400 million, projecting EBITDA margins approaching 50% by 2040 [18] Comparative Analysis - UAMY is positioned for immediate operational growth through rising antimony production, while TMC is building a comprehensive seabed-to-battery mineral ecosystem for long-term supply chain reshaping [20] - Both companies serve strategic U.S. interests but differ in risk-reward profiles, with UAMY offering short-term traction and TMC promising substantial long-term scale [20]