Core Viewpoint - United States Antimony Corporation has secured a significant five-year contract worth up to $245 million from the US Defense Logistics Agency to supply antimony metal ingots, highlighting the company's unique position in the market and the importance of domestic supply for national defense [1][6]. Group 1: Contract and Market Impact - The contract is a sole-source agreement, emphasizing the company's exclusive capability to meet military specifications for antimony ingots [1][3]. - Following the announcement, US Antimony's shares increased by 17.8%, raising the company's market capitalization to approximately $975 million [1]. Group 2: Importance of Antimony - Antimony is classified as a critical metal for national and economic security, utilized in defense and high-tech applications such as flame-retardant materials, semiconductors, ammunition primers, and superhard alloys [2]. - The US has not produced antimony commercially since 2016, making the establishment of a domestic supply chain a priority [2]. Group 3: Production Capabilities - United States Antimony operates the only two smelters in North America capable of processing antimony, with both facilities already meeting military specifications for ingot production [3]. - The company is expanding its feedstock base by sourcing ore globally and advancing domestic mining projects, including high-grade deposits in Alaska and acreage in Montana [4]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Competing sources of antimony, whether domestic or international, are projected to be at least three years away from commercial-scale production and may not meet defense standards [5]. - The contract represents a significant milestone for the company, with the CEO noting its value is nearly 17 times the company's projected 2024 revenue of $14.9 million [6]. Group 5: Company Overview - Founded decades ago, United States Antimony Corporation produces and markets antimony, zeolite, and precious metals across the US and Canada, with operations in Montana and Idaho [7].

Core Viewpoint - TMC the metals company Inc. has appointed Michael Hess and Alex Spiro to its Board of Directors to advance its plans for commercial recovery of polymetallic nodules in international waters under U.S. regulations [1][4]. Group 1: Appointments and Expertise - Michael Hess brings over 15 years of experience in evaluating, financing, and developing energy infrastructure, having co-founded the Bison Companies and currently serving as Chief Investment Officer of Hess Capital [2][5]. - Alex Spiro, a well-known litigator and investor, has extensive experience in corporate governance, public markets, and regulatory affairs, advising major corporations on high-priority issues [3][5]. - The appointments are seen as strategic moves to strengthen TMC's Board as the company focuses on its U.S. strategy and accelerates progress toward commercial recovery of polymetallic nodules [5]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - TMC aims to unlock a multi-generational domestic supply of critical metals essential for energy, defense, manufacturing, and infrastructure, aligning with America's strategic interests [3][4]. - The company is responding to a new Executive Order that designates seabed minerals as critical to U.S. national, economic, and energy security, which also authorizes the expediting of the permitting process [4][5].