Pentagon secures domestic antimony supply with Stibnite mine reopening

In the United States, on September 19, 2025, major stakeholders, including federal and state officials, gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the reopening of the Stibnite mine, located in Central Idaho. This event was significant as it symbolizes a strategic move toward resuming domestic mining operations after several decades of dormancy. The Stibnite mine holds substantial reserves of critical minerals, particularly antimony, which is essential for various military applications. The Pentagon has identified antimony as a vital mineral necessary for manufacturing defense technologies. The mine's closure in the 1990s was primarily due to stringent government regulations concerning domestic mining operations, which led the U.S. to rely heavily on imports of critical minerals, particularly from nations like China. Recent geopolitical tensions and China's imposition of heavy export restrictions on these minerals motivated U.S. officials to reevaluate domestic supply chains to ensure national security. The Biden administration emphasized the need for a 'whole-of-government' approach to onshore critical minerals supply chains, particularly following the crisis caused by China's cut in exports in April 2025. Major General John T. Reim from the Pentagon highlighted the reopening as a critical step toward establishing a secure domestic supply chain, stating that the Stibnite mine is integral for the military's munitions strategy. Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua Resources, noted that after eight years of permitting and a $400 million investment, the mine is poised to contribute significantly to U.S. national security by producing antimony sulfide for various defense needs. The Stibnite project boasts the largest identified reserves of antimony in the United States and is considered one of the largest outside foreign control. With the completion of necessary financial assurances, operations are expected to resume, thereby enhancing domestic energy security and aiding the military in meeting its critical minerals requirements. The Pentagon's focus on securing this domestic resource aligns with broader strategic initiatives to fortify the 'Arsenal of Democracy' and mitigate reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly under current international tensions.