Southwest Montana News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) introduced new legislation today that will prohibit the importation of platinum and palladium from the Russian Federation. This action responds to the recent layoffs announced at Sibanye Stillwater Mine, which are expected to impact the local economy significantly. Sibanye Stillwater cited decreasing metal prices and stringent environmental regulations as reasons for reducing their operations in Montana. ABC Fox Montana's Bradley Warren was the first to report on Rep. Rosendale's legislation on X.

“When foreign imports put American livelihoods at risk, the obvious solution is to put American products first,” said Rep. Rosendale. “The ban I am proposing will not only take American profits out of Russian hands but will also save hundreds of Montanans from losing their jobs. Russian platinum and palladium imports must cease immediately!”

This bill follows an announcement by Sibanye Stillwater U.S. Executive Vice President Kevin Robertson that the company will lay off 700 Montanan miners because “…responsible and sustainable mining and metals processing [in Montana] is much, much more expensive than that of our competitors in Russia and other areas.”

Palladium was about $2,300 an ounce two years ago but has dipped below $1,000 an ounce over the past three months.

The Montana Department of Labor stated that the 700-worker layoff represents about 13% of payroll jobs in Stillwater and Sweet Grass counties and about 16% of mining jobs statewide.