Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced a bill today aimed at banning the import of essential minerals from Russia, including platinum, palladium, and copper. This legislative move comes in response to Stillwater Mine's recent announcement that it will lay off 700 employees. The layoffs are reportedly linked to the Biden-Harris administration's policy of allowing imports of critical minerals from Russia rather than relying on domestic sources.

"Joe Biden and Kamala Harris failed to protect Montana jobs. Rather than relying on our own Montana mines to provide palladium, the Biden-Harris administration is allowing critical mineral imports from Russia, which is costing Montana jobs and funding Russia’s unjust war against Ukraine," stated Daines. "There is no reason the United States should be importing critical minerals that we can find right here at home. Montana is rich in minerals, and we need to be supporting American mines and American jobs, not Russia’s."

Montana hosts the only platinum and palladium mine in the United States and is a leading producer of copper. According to Daines, importing Russian minerals not only undermines local employment but also indirectly supports Russia's military actions in Ukraine.

The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the import of specific minerals until hostilities between Russia and Ukraine cease. Notably, palladium prices have seen a significant drop from $2208.40 to $1004.00 since January 25, 2021.

Contact: Matt Lloyd, Rachel Dumke