USAC Expands Antimony Operations in Alaska Amidst Global Supply Chain Shifts

Antimony

Texas-Based Miner Secures New Claims to Strengthen North American Antimony Supply

Texas-based US Antimony (USAC) has taken a significant step to bolster its operations by securing a new set of antimony mining claims in Alaska. This move, facilitated through a $5.25 million option agreement, is strategically aimed at diminishing the Western supply chains’ reliance on Chinese antimony sources.

USAC's recent agreement allows them to explore 120 new claims across approximately 17,900 acres in Alaska. This development is built on historical data indicating the presence of near-surface antimony with high values, promising substantial yields for the company.

The financial structure of this deal involves staged payments of $3 million and exploration commitments worth $2.25 million over five and a half years. Additional aspects of the agreement include a net smelter royalty and potential for third-party joint ventures, highlighting a comprehensive plan to maximize resource extraction.

Building on a Robust Foundation in Alaska

Prior to this agreement, USAC already held significant interests in Alaska, with 93 claims spanning 14,880 acres acquired in 2024. The company plans to extend its exploration efforts through a dedicated field program aimed at assessing the potential of these new claims.

Further solidifying its North American presence, USAC is also advancing its smelting operations. This includes securing ore for its Mexican smelter, which is slated for a restart, and a collaborative deal with Perpetua Resources to process concentrate from the Stibnite antimony-gold project in Idaho.

Responding to Global Market Dynamics

These expansions come in direct response to China’s tightened export controls on antimony, including a complete ban to the U.S. as of last December. These restrictions have significantly impacted global supplies and resulted in increased antimony prices, making USAC’s expansion a timely strategic move.