Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said the state is playing a growing role in strengthening U.S. supply chains for critical minerals, citing new investments tied to national security and advanced manufacturing.

Gianforte discussed the developments during an exchange with political commentator Scott Jennings, focusing on Montana’s natural resources and recent industrial expansion.

Jennings opened the discussion by framing the issue as both economic and strategic, pointing to upcoming announcements in the state.

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“Speaking of rocks in the rock pile, I want to talk to you about an economic issue and a national security issue that has to do with critical minerals. I understand you’re about to make some breaking news announcements today about what’s going on in Montana as it relates to having critical minerals being mined right here in the United States. What’s happening on this front today, sir?” Jennings asked.

Gianforte responded by outlining Montana’s long-standing role in natural resource development and its significance to domestic and international energy markets.

“Well, a number of things. I mean, Montana is the Treasure State. We have a long history of natural resource development. We have 40% of all the coal in North America is in Montana,” Gianforte said.

He said Montana’s coal production has supplied energy far beyond the state’s borders for decades.

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“We’ve been keeping the lights on in Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei for decades, as well as Seattle,” he said.

Gianforte also highlighted recent infrastructure expansion tied to mineral processing, noting a development unique to the continent.

“And recently, I was able to cut the ribbon on the only an expansion of the only antimony smelter in North America,” Gianforte said.

He explained that antimony is used across multiple energy applications, but said the most significant announcement involves a Montana-based company securing federal support to expand production of critical minerals.

“This is used in many energy sources, but the new news today, lattice materials in Bozeman, Montana, in December, they received almost a $20 million contract with the Department of War for development of critical minerals,” Gianforte said.

According to the governor, that contract has directly driven a major expansion of operations in the state.

“Today, they’re announcing an 80,000 square foot expansion in their business that’s a direct result that will help with these rare earth minerals for the development of advanced semiconductors,” he said.

Gianforte said the effort is part of a broader push to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly those tied to China.

“So Montana is doing its part as we work to reassure critical minerals and cut the supply chains from China,” he said.

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