Video News/Kitco Mining

Michael Rowley, President and CEO of Stillwater Critical Minerals, says rising drone and counter-drone spending is sharpening the race for critical minerals, domestic supply chains and U.S.-based mining projects. Speaking with Kitco Mining on September 2, Rowley said geopolitics are changing the market for metals used in drones, robotics, defense systems and advanced manufacturing. “Price is not the only factor anymore,” he said. Rowley also discussed Stillwater West’s updated resource in Montana, which now totals 805 million tonnes grading 0.34% total nickel equivalent and includes the project’s first indicated resource. He said scale is the key takeaway, but the company is shifting toward infill drilling, higher-confidence resources and a PEA within 12 to 18 months. Rowley also discussed U.S. government support, Defense Production Act tools, chromium upside, rhodium’s value, Sibanye’s nearby infrastructure, Glencore’s role, hydrometallurgy and upcoming drill results.