In Wake of Stillwater Mine Layoffs, Daines Introduces Bill to Ban Import of Critical Minerals from Russia, Support Montana Jobs

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Failed to Protect Montana Jobs”

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bill to ban the import of essential minerals from Russia such as platinum, palladium and copper. Daines introduced the legislation in response to the announcement by Montana’s Stillwater Mine that it is laying off 700 employees. The layoffs can be attributed to the Biden-Harris administration allowing imports of critical minerals from Russia rather than relying on Montana mines to provide critical minerals to American markets. In addition, the import of Russian minerals is actively funding Russia’s war against Ukraine. Montana is home to the only platinum and palladium mine in the United States and a top producer of copper. 

“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,” said 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.” 

Read bill text HERE.

Background:

The bill would prohibit the import of the following minerals until Russia ends hostilities with Ukraine:

  1. Braggite
  2. Copper
  3. Nickel
  4. Palladium
  5. Platinum
  6. Rhodium
  7. Ruthenium
  8. Zinc

Palladium prices have fallen from $2208.40 to $1004.00 since January 25, 2021. 

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Contact: Matt Lloyd, Rachel Dumke