The United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) announced Tuesday that it has landed an exclusive five-year contract worth up to $245 million with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency.

Under the deal, the company will supply antimony metal ingots for America’s defense stockpile.

The agreement is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals. With rising tensions abroad and heavy reliance on imports—particularly from China—Washington has been making moves to secure access to materials considered vital for both national security and economic stability.

Antimony, a lesser-known but strategically important metal, is used in everything from munitions and military-grade alloys to batteries and flame retardants. Defense officials have long warned that U.S. dependence on foreign supplies poses a major vulnerability.

“This contract is incredibly meaningful for all our employees,” said USAC CEO Gary C. Evans. “We’re proud to play a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s defense readiness.”

USAC operates the only two antimony smelters in North America and says it is ready to begin deliveries immediately, with the first shipment expected this week.

The deal comes after months of negotiations and marks a deepening partnership between USAC and the Pentagon—one that began accelerating in late 2024 as Washington sharpened its focus on securing critical resources. Photo by Todo Noticias, Wikimedia commons.