U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Congressman Ryan Zinke visited Montana Tech University in Butte, Montana, where they toured the Lance College of Mines and Engineering's advanced mineral laboratories. The visit included a briefing on new engineering technologies developed at the university and a roundtable discussion with local stakeholders about efforts to revitalize mining jobs in Montana.
Secretary Burgum stated, "Montana stands at the forefront of America's mining future, and today's visit underlines the Trump administration, Congressman Zinke and the entire Montana delegation's commitment to restoring American Mineral Dominance and advancing a bold, pro-worker agenda across the West. After years of burdensome restrictions under the Biden administration, that locked up our energy and mineral supply and drove up costs, President Donald J. Trump has launched a decisive resurgence in American energy and mining that is making life more affordable for Montana families - beginning with unleashing our vast domestic resources. At Interior, we will continue working hand-in-hand with our partners in Western states to restore America’s mining legacy by cutting red tape, streamlining permitting and ensuring critical minerals are produced here at home."
Congressman Zinke added, “President Trump and Secretary Burgum have been in lock step with the entire Montana delegation fighting for Montana mining jobs against corrupt foreign influence and manipulation. On behalf of the governor, senators and Montana miners I thank the administration for implementing a 132% tariff on Russian mineral imports which will bring good paying jobs back to Montana. In Montana, we know better than anyone that there’s appropriate places to mine and not, the men and women mining the Stillwater, Silver-Bow and other Montana mines do it right. They use the highest technology, have a strong reclamation and safety plan, and they hire brilliant Montana Tech grads. We need to be doing more mining in Montana, not less.”
Chancellor Johnny MacLean led officials through research facilities at Lance College of Mines and Engineering. He also briefed them on $13 million in federal funding being pursued through FY27 appropriations with support from Congressman Zinke. If approved by Congress via Department of War funding channels, this money would enable extraction of critical minerals from Berkley Pit using new technology.
"It's an honor to host the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on Montana Tech's campus in Butte, the Mining City. This university has been rising to meet America's emerging needs for 125 years, and we're well positioned for today's watershed moment involving critical materials and energy,” said Chancellor MacLean. “We're grateful for Congressman Zinke for arranging this roundtable, and we’re thrilled to share the solutions with Secretary Burgum that our engineers, scientists, and industry partners are developing."
Travis Naugle of Falcon Copper Corp and Silver Bow Mining Corp commented on U.S. reliance on foreign sources: "For too long, the United States has been dependent on foreign supply of Critical Minerals – such as copper and zinc – at the very moment our Technology Economy is innovating new uses for these and many other Criticals. That dependence is a drag on American manufacturing and a danger to national security,” he said. “My goal is to bring new domestic sources of supply into production... There are abundant opportunities in the state of Montana to responsibly source many of the Critical Minerals necessary for our national security... We stand ready to be a part of the solution to this urgent national need.”
The roundtable included participants from government agencies as well as industry leaders such as Sibanye-Stillwater—a company operating Stillwater Mine—Montana Resources President Jack Standa; Universal Technical Services CEO Marc Ian Snyderman; Sabey Corp CEO Dave Sabey; AlphaTech professor Dr. Matt Memmott; Director Sonja Nowakowski from state environmental quality; US Antimony President John Gustavsen; among others.
Sibanye-Stillwater operates two major mines producing platinum group metals (PGMs), which are essential components used in vehicle emission reduction systems as well as defense equipment like drones or missiles. These mines are currently recognized as America’s only primary producers of platinum or palladium.
In September 2024 Sibanye-Stillwater announced layoffs affecting about 700 workers due largely to low-priced Russian palladium entering U.S markets—a move viewed by some lawmakers as unfair competition undermining domestic producers. Following advocacy by Senator Steve Daines along with Representative Zinke—including legislative proposals banning Russian mineral imports—the U.S Commerce Department imposed a 132% tariff on Russian minerals earlier this month after requests from members of Congress last year.
Heather McDowell from Sibanye-Stillwater stated: "We at Sibanye-Stillwater are proud to mine and recycle critical minerals in Montana for the USA... The Trump Administration’s enforcement of US trade law in its preliminary imposition of 132% tariffs on Russian palladium imports will help level this playing field... Keeping Russian palladium out of the US market has contributed to prices we needed... We are fully motivated to get back to full operations... We're really trying to focus on long term because we want to make sure that we get this right."
The event highlighted ongoing efforts between federal officials, local representatives, academic institutions like Montana Tech University—and private sector companies—to secure domestic supplies vital for both economic growth initiatives within manufacturing sectors as well as broader national security interests.
