The Department of War announced a $27 million investment in U.S. Antimony Corporation (USAC) on March 4, 2026. The funding, dated February 24, 2026, was delayed by a government shutdown and is drawn from the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 under Title III of the Defense Production Act.
What it means
The investment supports USAC’s plan to modernize and expand refining capacity in Montana while establishing domestic excavation and extraction operations in Alaska. The goal is full vertical integration from ore extraction through mid-stream flotation to finished antimony products for flame retardants, batteries, munitions, and other defense applications.
“For too long, DOW has depended on overseas sources for its critical mineral production,” said Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy Mike Cadenazzi. “Strong domestic mineral supply chains are essential to support our warfighting capability,” added Mr. Jeffrey Frankston, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Resilience. The project aligns with Executive Order 14241, issued March 20, 2025, titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.” This is the third investment made by the DPA Purchases Office since the start of fiscal year 2026, bringing total awards from the office to $58.5 million. The Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) Directorate oversees the DPA Purchases Office.
Key facts
- $27 million investment in U.S. Antimony Corporation
- Funded via Defense Production Act Title III from the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022
- Investment dated February 24, 2026; announced March 4, 2026
- Supports capacity expansion in Montana and excavation/extraction in Alaska
- Aims for vertical integration from ore to finished antimony products
- Antimony used for flame retardants, batteries, munitions, and defense applications
- Third DPA Purchases Office investment in fiscal year 2026; total office awards reach $58.5 million
Source: Department of War news release