Japan and US Sign Critical Minerals Agreement
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 18 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Investment Plans Advance: Japan is set to announce a second round of investments in the U.S. totaling 11 trillion yen (approximately $69.2 billion), which includes the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors and natural gas power plants, aiming to further solidify economic ties and enhance Japan's influence in the global energy market.
- Security Cooperation Discussions: During the meeting with Trump, while the Iran conflict will dominate the agenda, Prime Minister Takaichi will reaffirm the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance, indicating Japan's commitment to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region despite domestic opposition to military involvement.
- Tariff Negotiation Outcomes: If Takaichi can secure assurances that Japan will not face higher tariffs under Trump's implemented mechanisms, it would be seen as a significant victory, helping to protect Japanese exports and strengthen its negotiating position with the U.S.
- Political Capital Considerations: Takaichi must carefully navigate domestic and international pressures when considering the deployment of Japanese Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East, ensuring that she does not jeopardize her political capital while seeking flexibility in diplomatic and logistical support to safeguard national interests.
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Analyst Views on UAMY
Wall Street analysts forecast UAMY stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 7.090
Low
9.75
Averages
10.00
High
10.25
Current: 7.090
Low
9.75
Averages
10.00
High
10.25
About UAMY
United States Antimony Corporation is engaged in the production and sale of antimony, precious metals, primarily gold and silver, and zeolite products. The Company has two reportable segments: antimony and zeolite. Its antimony segment consists of its facility located in the Burns Mining District of Sanders County in Montana that processes ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals, and its two facilities in its US Antimony de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (USAMSA) subsidiary located in Mexico that process ore primarily into antimony metal and a lower grade of antimony oxide. Its zeolite segment includes its vertically integrated Bear River Zeolite (BRZ) facility located in Preston, Idaho that mines, processes, and sells zeolite. Its zeolite has been used in soil amendment and fertilizer, water filtration, and sewage treatment. The Company also operates Fostung Tungsten Property located near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, near the town of Espanola.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
U.S. Prioritizes Antimony Supply Chain Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Rising Importance of Antimony: Antimony has been officially classified as a critical mineral by the U.S., with applications in military and energy sectors, and as China tightens export controls, the West faces supply chain risks, making domestic antimony supply chain reconstruction a national priority.
- Strategic Positioning of NevGold: NevGold Corp.'s Limousine Butte project, based on a historical mining site in Nevada, aims for near-surface antimony production within 12 to 18 months, leveraging existing infrastructure and historical ore to quickly meet market demand.
- Funding and Drilling Plans: In spring 2026, NevGold successfully raised C$42 million to support a 20,000-meter drilling program aimed at expanding its resource base and advancing antimony-gold mining, showcasing the company's growth potential in the critical minerals sector.
- Industry Competition and Opportunities: NevGold competes with companies like Perpetua Resources, which secured a US$2.9 billion government loan to advance its antimony project, indicating the U.S. government's commitment to the antimony supply chain, and NevGold's success could help fill the domestic supply gap.
See More
NevGold Advances Antimony-Gold Project
- Strong Funding: NevGold Corp. recently closed an upsized brokered private placement of approximately C$42 million, ensuring robust financial backing for its antimony-gold development, thereby eliminating financing hurdles that often stall exploration efforts at critical moments.
- Drilling Program Launch: The company has commenced a 20,000-meter drill program at the Limo Butte project, focusing on resource building and new discoveries, aiming to rapidly enhance the quantification and development potential of antimony-gold resources, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future production.
- Exceptional Ore Quality: NevGold reported consistent oxide antimony-gold mineralization from the historic leach pads, including an interval of 0.32% antimony and 0.39 g/t gold, while surface sampling from the Pre-Strip Dump revealed grades as high as 53.7% antimony, indicating significant high-grade ore potential that may attract increased investor interest.
- Enhanced Policy Support: With the U.S. government prioritizing antimony as a strategic mineral, NevGold's project benefits from both policy and financial backing, particularly against the backdrop of China's export restrictions on antimony, making the company's rapid production capabilities crucial as a potential key player in the U.S. antimony supply chain.
See More
U.S. Rare Earth Supply Chain Faces Major Challenges
- Export Licensing Impact: In April 2025, Beijing's export licensing on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements and their high-performance magnets sent Western defense, automotive, and electronics supply chains into disarray, with Ford's CEO describing the company's magnet supply as 'day to day,' highlighting the fragility of the supply chain.
- Defense Procurement Restrictions: Under U.S. Department of Defense procurement rules, starting January 1, 2027, U.S. defense contractors will face restrictions on Chinese-origin rare earth magnets, impacting compliance for weapon systems and forcing companies to accelerate the search for alternative supply sources.
- Investment and Policy Response: The Trump administration has mobilized, with the Pentagon investing $400 million in MP Materials and the Commerce Department issuing a $1.6 billion letter of intent to USA Rare Earth, demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening the rare earth supply chain.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: According to MarketsandMarkets, the global rare earth magnet market is forecasted to grow from approximately $22 billion in 2025 to around $30 billion by 2030, reflecting strong demand from electric vehicles, robotics, and defense systems despite ongoing supply chain challenges.
See More
USA Rare Earth Plans Over €175 Million Investment in France by 2030
- Investment Plan: USA Rare Earth plans to invest over €175 million (approximately $203 million) in France by 2030, which is expected to create over 300 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy and enhancing the company's market position in rare earth metals.
- Expected Government Support: The project may qualify for French government support, including incentives from the C3IV program, financing, and loan guarantees, which will provide crucial funding for the company's expansion and further solidify its business foundation in Europe.
- Strategic Expansion: This investment builds on existing projects in France, particularly the rare earth metal and alloy production facility in Lacq, indicating the company's commitment to France as a rare earth processing hub and its dedication to enhancing local supply chain capabilities for critical minerals.
- Market Outlook: As governments and corporations increase investments in electrification and advanced manufacturing, the importance of rare earth materials is rising, making this expansion not only align with the company's long-term strategy but also support allied nations in reducing reliance on foreign sources of rare earths, thereby enhancing national security.
See More
U.S. Antimony Faces Market Opportunities and Challenges
- Market Dependency Issue: U.S. Antimony's stock is currently 57% below its 52-week high and has dropped 17% in the past month; however, risk-tolerant investors may see a rebound opportunity amid rising global demand for antimony.
- Poor Financial Performance: The company reported a revenue decline and a loss in the first quarter, with the CEO noting challenges in scaling rapidly, highlighting the urgency to enhance capacity and reduce reliance on China.
- Government Contract Support: U.S. Antimony secured a sole-source contract worth up to $245 million, with an initial $10 million order, indicating government recognition of the need to reduce antimony imports, potentially supporting future revenue growth.
- Diversified Business Potential: Beyond antimony, the company's clinoptilolite zeolite mineral has significant applications in agriculture, animal feed, and environmental cleanup, suggesting investors should not overlook this business segment's potential.
See More
United States Antimony Faces Market Volatility and Opportunities
- Market Dependency Issues: United States Antimony, the only large-scale domestic producer, currently sits 57% below its 52-week high and has dropped 17% in the past month, reflecting market concerns and uncertainties about its future.
- Government Contract Support: The company secured a sole-source contract worth up to $245 million, with an initial $10 million order, indicating the government's commitment to reducing reliance on antimony imports, which may provide revenue support for the company.
- Poor Financial Performance: The first-quarter results showed a decline in revenue and a loss, with the CEO acknowledging challenges in rapid expansion, which could affect investor confidence and exacerbate market volatility.
- Emerging Demand Potential: With significant depletion of U.S. military stockpiles, demand for antimony is expected to rise, particularly in munitions and semiconductor production, with government spending likely providing long-term revenue support for the company.
See More
U.S. Prioritizes Antimony Supply Chain Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Rising Importance of Antimony: Antimony has been officially classified as a critical mineral by the U.S., with applications in military and energy sectors, and as China tightens export controls, the West faces supply chain risks, making domestic antimony supply chain reconstruction a national priority.
- Strategic Positioning of NevGold: NevGold Corp.'s Limousine Butte project, based on a historical mining site in Nevada, aims for near-surface antimony production within 12 to 18 months, leveraging existing infrastructure and historical ore to quickly meet market demand.
- Funding and Drilling Plans: In spring 2026, NevGold successfully raised C$42 million to support a 20,000-meter drilling program aimed at expanding its resource base and advancing antimony-gold mining, showcasing the company's growth potential in the critical minerals sector.
- Industry Competition and Opportunities: NevGold competes with companies like Perpetua Resources, which secured a US$2.9 billion government loan to advance its antimony project, indicating the U.S. government's commitment to the antimony supply chain, and NevGold's success could help fill the domestic supply gap.
See More
NevGold Advances Antimony-Gold Project
- Strong Funding: NevGold Corp. recently closed an upsized brokered private placement of approximately C$42 million, ensuring robust financial backing for its antimony-gold development, thereby eliminating financing hurdles that often stall exploration efforts at critical moments.
- Drilling Program Launch: The company has commenced a 20,000-meter drill program at the Limo Butte project, focusing on resource building and new discoveries, aiming to rapidly enhance the quantification and development potential of antimony-gold resources, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future production.
- Exceptional Ore Quality: NevGold reported consistent oxide antimony-gold mineralization from the historic leach pads, including an interval of 0.32% antimony and 0.39 g/t gold, while surface sampling from the Pre-Strip Dump revealed grades as high as 53.7% antimony, indicating significant high-grade ore potential that may attract increased investor interest.
- Enhanced Policy Support: With the U.S. government prioritizing antimony as a strategic mineral, NevGold's project benefits from both policy and financial backing, particularly against the backdrop of China's export restrictions on antimony, making the company's rapid production capabilities crucial as a potential key player in the U.S. antimony supply chain.
See More
U.S. Rare Earth Supply Chain Faces Major Challenges
- Export Licensing Impact: In April 2025, Beijing's export licensing on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements and their high-performance magnets sent Western defense, automotive, and electronics supply chains into disarray, with Ford's CEO describing the company's magnet supply as 'day to day,' highlighting the fragility of the supply chain.
- Defense Procurement Restrictions: Under U.S. Department of Defense procurement rules, starting January 1, 2027, U.S. defense contractors will face restrictions on Chinese-origin rare earth magnets, impacting compliance for weapon systems and forcing companies to accelerate the search for alternative supply sources.
- Investment and Policy Response: The Trump administration has mobilized, with the Pentagon investing $400 million in MP Materials and the Commerce Department issuing a $1.6 billion letter of intent to USA Rare Earth, demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening the rare earth supply chain.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: According to MarketsandMarkets, the global rare earth magnet market is forecasted to grow from approximately $22 billion in 2025 to around $30 billion by 2030, reflecting strong demand from electric vehicles, robotics, and defense systems despite ongoing supply chain challenges.
See More
USA Rare Earth Plans Over €175 Million Investment in France by 2030
- Investment Plan: USA Rare Earth plans to invest over €175 million (approximately $203 million) in France by 2030, which is expected to create over 300 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy and enhancing the company's market position in rare earth metals.
- Expected Government Support: The project may qualify for French government support, including incentives from the C3IV program, financing, and loan guarantees, which will provide crucial funding for the company's expansion and further solidify its business foundation in Europe.
- Strategic Expansion: This investment builds on existing projects in France, particularly the rare earth metal and alloy production facility in Lacq, indicating the company's commitment to France as a rare earth processing hub and its dedication to enhancing local supply chain capabilities for critical minerals.
- Market Outlook: As governments and corporations increase investments in electrification and advanced manufacturing, the importance of rare earth materials is rising, making this expansion not only align with the company's long-term strategy but also support allied nations in reducing reliance on foreign sources of rare earths, thereby enhancing national security.
See More
U.S. Antimony Faces Market Opportunities and Challenges
- Market Dependency Issue: U.S. Antimony's stock is currently 57% below its 52-week high and has dropped 17% in the past month; however, risk-tolerant investors may see a rebound opportunity amid rising global demand for antimony.
- Poor Financial Performance: The company reported a revenue decline and a loss in the first quarter, with the CEO noting challenges in scaling rapidly, highlighting the urgency to enhance capacity and reduce reliance on China.
- Government Contract Support: U.S. Antimony secured a sole-source contract worth up to $245 million, with an initial $10 million order, indicating government recognition of the need to reduce antimony imports, potentially supporting future revenue growth.
- Diversified Business Potential: Beyond antimony, the company's clinoptilolite zeolite mineral has significant applications in agriculture, animal feed, and environmental cleanup, suggesting investors should not overlook this business segment's potential.
See More
United States Antimony Faces Market Volatility and Opportunities
- Market Dependency Issues: United States Antimony, the only large-scale domestic producer, currently sits 57% below its 52-week high and has dropped 17% in the past month, reflecting market concerns and uncertainties about its future.
- Government Contract Support: The company secured a sole-source contract worth up to $245 million, with an initial $10 million order, indicating the government's commitment to reducing reliance on antimony imports, which may provide revenue support for the company.
- Poor Financial Performance: The first-quarter results showed a decline in revenue and a loss, with the CEO acknowledging challenges in rapid expansion, which could affect investor confidence and exacerbate market volatility.
- Emerging Demand Potential: With significant depletion of U.S. military stockpiles, demand for antimony is expected to rise, particularly in munitions and semiconductor production, with government spending likely providing long-term revenue support for the company.
See More
