Antimony's Fire Burns Bright: U.S. Antimony's Smelter Restart Could Ignite Profits

The comeback story of U.S. Antimony Corporation (UAMY) is finally catching fire. After shutting down its Madero Smelter in Mexico just a year ago due to financial struggles, the company is now reigniting operations—and investors should take notice. Let me break down why this restart isn’t just a recovery, but a potential rocket fuel for profits.

From Shutdown to Startup: What Changed?
The Madero Smelter’s 2024 shutdown was a gut punch for UAMY. The problem? Its Mexican mines couldn’t deliver enough antimony ore to justify keeping the smelter running. Negative cash flow piled up, and shares tanked. But here’s the twist: UAMY didn’t just sit there. Instead, it pivoted to international suppliers—specifically Australia—to secure new ore streams. And now, with shipments rolling in and a retooled smelter, the company is back in business.

The Numbers That Matter
Let’s start with the headline: UAMY’s stock has soared 373% over six months. That’s not a typo—this is a company on fire. But don’t just take the stock price at face value. Revenue jumped 72% year-over-year to $14.9 million in Q4 2024, with antimony sales up a staggering 88%. The smelter’s restart isn’t just symbolic—it’s a cash-generating machine waiting to rev up.

The Madero Smelter’s capacity is starting small—200 tons of ore per month—but management aims to hit 300 tons by summer. That’s a 50% boost in processing power, and with Australian ore now flowing, the path to profitability is clear. Capital improvements costing under $1 million are modernizing the plant, ensuring it can handle the new supply efficiently.

Why Antimony? The Demand Drivers
Antimony isn’t a household name, but it’s critical for industries that are booming. Used in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, and even military ordnance, antimony’s role in critical infrastructure can’t be understated. The U.S. government has labeled it a “critical mineral,” and with demand for electric vehicle batteries and national defense systems surging, the timing couldn’t be better.

Gary C. Evans, UAMY’s CEO, hit the nail on the head: “This restart isn’t just about turning on a smelter—it’s about securing America’s supply chain for materials we can’t afford to be without.” And he’s right. The U.S. imports over 90% of its antimony, making domestic production a national priority.

Analysts Are Bullish—But Watch This
Wall Street is already pricing in the good news. Analysts have set price targets as high as $5.00 per share, up from around $1.50 today. But here’s the catch: UAMY’s success hinges on two things. First, can it keep the smelter running smoothly? The first Australian shipment faced a two-week customs delay—so execution matters. Second, will antimony prices hold up? With global demand climbing and China (the world’s top antimony producer) tightening exports, I’m betting yes.

The Bottom Line: Buy the Rebound, But Mind the Risks
UAMY is a high-risk, high-reward play, but the rewards are looking juicier every day. The restart of Madero isn’t just a comeback—it’s a strategic masterstroke. By diversifying its ore supply, slashing reliance on troubled Mexican mines, and tapping into a red-hot market, UAMY is positioning itself to capitalize on a once-in-a-decade opportunity.

The numbers back this up: a projected $0.18 EPS in 2025, a 300-ton monthly capacity by year-end, and a product in soaring demand. Even with the risks—customs hiccups, ore supply disruptions—the upside here is undeniable.

Final Call: This is a “Buy”—But Don’t Close Your Eyes
If you’re looking for a speculative play with real growth legs, UAMY is worth a bite. The restart isn’t just about survival—it’s about dominating a niche where the U.S. is desperate for self-sufficiency. Just remember: keep an eye on those shipments and the stock’s volatility. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” investment—but for those willing to take the risk, the payoff could be explosive.

Final Score: Bullish — but only for aggressive investors ready to ride the antimony wave.