Core Viewpoint - United States Antimony Corp. has initiated exploration and bulk sampling at the Stibnite Hill mine in Montana, having received necessary permits from the Department of Environmental Quality, marking a significant step in its operations [1][4][7]. Company Operations - The Stibnite Hill mine is adjacent to USAC's Thompson Falls smelter, which processes third-party ore into antimony products and precious metals, making it one of only two smelters in North America owned by the company [2]. - The Thompson Falls smelter has a production capacity of approximately 15 million pounds of antimony oxide or 5 million pounds of antimony metal annually, with ongoing expansion efforts to increase this capacity [3]. Mining Activities - With DEQ approvals, USAC can now process its own mined material, having already transported several loads of antimony ore to a flotation mill for crushing and sampling [4][6]. - The commencement of mining at Stibnite Hill establishes Montana as the base for USAC's first fully integrated antimony operation, with the company acquiring mineral leases and properties in the area [6][7]. Market Performance - Despite the positive developments, USAC's shares fell over 10% amid a broader market selloff, bringing the stock price down to $10.95 and the market capitalization to $1.52 billion [5]. Future Prospects - USAC had initially anticipated its first product from Alaska operations, which cover over 35,000 acres with 120 mining claims, but faced a five-month delay in state permit approvals [8]. - The company secured a $245 million contract from the US Defense Logistics Agency for the supply of antimony metal ingots for the national defense stockpile, indicating strong demand for its products [8].

The United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) has been awarded a contract worth up to $245m by the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to supply antimony metal ingots for the national defence stockpile over the next five years. This indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement follows extensive negotiations concluded this year. Antimony, a critical component in military applications such as munitions and batteries has been identified as a strategic vulnerability in the US industrial base. The ...