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U.S. Army Launches Mini Refineries for Critical Minerals

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Army plans to develop small-scale refineries for critical minerals, starting with antimony, to reduce reliance on Chinese sources.
The U.S. Army, with Idaho National Laboratory and Perpetua Resources, aims to produce 7–10 metric tons of antimony trisulfide per year.
The Army has invested $30 million and can scale production during conflicts by adding more mini-refineries.
Officials say domestic production is needed to ensure control over critical mineral supplies.

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Story summary

The U.S. Army plans to develop small-scale refineries for critical minerals, starting with antimony, to reduce reliance on Chinese sources.
The U.S. Army, with Idaho National Laboratory and Perpetua Resources, aims to produce 7–10 metric tons of antimony trisulfide per year.
The Army has invested $30 million and can scale production during conflicts by adding more mini-refineries.
Officials say domestic production is needed to ensure control over critical mineral supplies.