U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Senator Tim Sheehy, Congressman Ryan Zinke, introduced a bicameral bill today aimed at protecting Montana mining jobs by prohibiting the import of critical minerals from Russia. The bill, which focuses on minerals such as platinum, palladium, and copper—resources that can be mined in the U.S.—seeks to reduce American reliance on foreign minerals while boosting domestic production. Congressman Troy Downing also signed on to the bill.
“There is no reason the United States should run to Russia for critical minerals that can be found right here at home, including in Montana. Under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, American mines were under attack and Montana workers paid the price. We’re turning a new leaf with President Trump, and this bill will put American mines and American jobs first,” said Senator Daines.
Senator Sheehy echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of reducing dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals. “Reducing our reliance on other countries for critical minerals is the epitome of America First common sense. During the Biden administration, hardworking Montanans in the mining industry suffered while their federal government spent their tax dollars on overseas minerals that we can get here at home. There’s a new sheriff in town with President Trump back in the White House, and I’m proud to join our Montana delegation on this important legislation,” Sheehy said.
Congressman Zinke also expressed concern about the country’s reliance on foreign sources of essential materials, particularly from nations that oppose American interests. “The United States goes to great lengths to protect our defense technology; however, when it comes to protecting the supply of critical minerals to make the tech, we shoot ourselves in the foot. No more. This bill will stop foreign manipulation of our domestic mining and ensure that American mining and processing continue to grow and fuel the market. We cannot allow our resources to be undercut by countries that actively go against American policies and values,” said Zinke.
The bill seeks to ban the import of several critical minerals from Russia until the country ceases hostilities with Ukraine. The list of affected minerals includes: Braggite; Copper; Nickel; Palladium; Platinum; Rhodium; Ruthenium; and Zinc.
Senator Daines originally introduced this bill during the 118th Congress following significant layoffs at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in Montana. The layoffs were attributed to market disruptions caused by the Biden-Harris administration’s policies, which allowed Russian-mined minerals to flood the market, driving down the prices of palladium and platinum. The Stillwater Mine, one of the only mines in the U.S. producing palladium and platinum, struggled to compete as a result.
The bill has received support from key industry figures in Montana, particularly those involved in palladium production. Heather McDowell, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Sibanye-Stillwater, praised the legislation for its potential to protect U.S. mining jobs. “We are extremely grateful that our Montana Delegation, led by Senator Daines, recognizes the very important task of responsibly producing critical minerals right here in Montana for use in the United States. As the only primary producer of palladium in the country, we are forced to compete in a global market controlled by Russian palladium production. We are committed to paying our people living wages, contributing significant resources to our communities, and adhering to the highest environmental standards,” McDowell said.
She continued, “We can provide U.S. palladium under these standards for decades to come, but Russian palladium dumping must be addressed for our global market. This bill is critical to ensuring that work continues, and we are grateful for the Montana delegation’s leadership on this issue.”
By: DNU staff