[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6142000,"mediaKeyId","5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762","parentId",5568982,"title","Montana senators and witnesses warn of Russian palladium dumping, urge trade remedies to protect Stillwater Mine jobs","audioSeconds",186,"startMs",3757000,"endMs",3943000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762&start=3757&end=3943","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762/thumbnail_3757000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6142000/Montana-senators-and-witnesses-warn-of-Russian-palladium-dumping-urge-trade-remedies-to-protect-Stillwater-Mine-jobs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142000-d66515e6b91e407f8575ca7b0b556f3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495588&Signature=mJ4rY~n8wcH41Jygx0u9S-0qWbEasI-F3NzEZaP8cJwqyubKQqWR96qb3NH8yne5SLgxgQD6awgnJlkfjSZjfftYpkJ48Nm7s42aX0FGTmEOVDAqRLjVopvz2O2Yk08XyfyLmxKVc7pC-4fmXgz6GHeZADYWq7uQAhQeT~B1XU3RB~jyLq-6JNAZl56GmQW1tiScgVY2o4I4fFCg8LFV90qdyhX2diQLCP3-UakgMTDE9LNijWNRXVznw7H0u72MHq~Q~92TVvC1d3Mhq~PoLzX9~lkFwXs7c7a5JkWbQVjyhzZ3vd9OZRfz60HvIeOr2VMxkig6uV0y4SiACtrPkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations","date","2025-07-30T00:00:00Z","article","Senators at the Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing raised concerns about alleged Russian dumping of palladium and platinum on global markets, arguing the practice threatens U.S. producers and jobs at Montana’s Stillwater and East Boulder mines.

Senator Daines described market manipulation he said has driven down palladium prices, forced the Stillwater Mine to lay off about 700 workers and increased U.S. reliance on Russian supplies. He cited a recent fatal electrical accident at the Stillwater operation and expressed condolences to the affected families before urging trade remedies and sanctions. Daines has introduced the Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act, Senate bill 808, to prohibit specified Russian imports of critical minerals.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Woodard acknowledged that smaller mineral markets can be vulnerable to manipulation and described administration efforts to strengthen domestic processing and financing to help U.S. producers compete. Ambassador Pratt also agreed the U.S. needs to “break monopolistic behavior” and described ongoing arrangements with African partners and U.S. firms to secure feedstock for U.S. refiners.

Senator Daines proposed targeted tariffs or sanctions and said such measures could restore jobs “in a very short period of time.” Witnesses offered condolences for the fatality at the Montana mine and discussed policy tools including coordinated trade remedies, Defense Production Act authority and strengthened public finance to support U.S. mining and processing capacity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CRITICAL MINERALS: FINDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S.-AFRICA PARTNERSHIPS","oneSentenceSummary","Senators raised a bipartisan alarm about alleged Russian market dumping of palladium that has depressed prices, led to layoffs at Montana’s Stillwater Mine, and prompted legislative and executive remedies, including the Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act (S.808).","taxTitle","Foreign Relations: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1994,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6142004,"Officials say DRC‑Rwanda peace framework could open pathways for U.S. access to cobalt, coltan and other minerals",3846,2936000,6782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762&start=2936&end=6782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762/thumbnail_2936000.jpg","/articles/6142004/Officials-say-DRCRwanda-peace-framework-could-open-pathways-for-US-access-to-cobalt-coltan-and-other-minerals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142004-91b97a6c9119863e3d9aaa38847ee2f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495588&Signature=k3iuFBl2Ap5ub5s2yMickoj1pANTZhsesG1CnXnucMp3VRvaHopYFeS7oO8EUE32H7kUBYUb0sERC0b7-6IJosIGUoeOa5sRF-7aFSCLPEd4OvUsrlqPHuiRLGiO1aNLaQPmY9lVAyktdARIluekUb5xZVAH983OU~3t6hd0kftslKRGEFx5~1c6jTXK~0TDEOpIN73bPPpNvT9ihOiFnVxHgptp9rUd0XE6k1eN9z4B2zRg58LdyzPUPQAOSaACYxDXat1yiKw4aANld3lNChetkbQV-izO7g4dToJYxBTbyWS6DqDYRHgbjgc~AApBSUW7ppWP3rmXkaFqDy4t1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators and State Department witnesses described a U.S.‑negotiated peace process between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda as an opening to formalize mineral extraction in eastern DRC and attract U.S. investment.

Chairman Cruz and Ambassador Jonathan Pratt said the economic element of the peace agreement—now approaching formal signature—creates a rare opportunity to bring stability and channel minerals away from Chinese control. Pratt said the agreement includes discussions about formalizing the coltan sector in eastern Congo and enabling U.S. companies to invest in cobalt and lithium projects in central and southern Congo.

Pratt noted that last year the DRC produced “nearly 76% of the world’s cobalt,” and that Chinese firms hold stakes in many of the country’s largest copper‑cobalt operations. He told senators the administration has linked commercial outreach from U.S. companies to broader diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations in order to secure deals for American firms.

Senators pressed witnesses on labor and human‑rights risks in informal mining sectors. Pratt and Woodard said part of the administration’s approach is to formalize supply chains so major buyers can verify labor and environmental standards and avoid sourcing from informal sites where forced or child labor has been reported.

The witnesses said the economic framework tied to the peace process remains under negotiation; they described specific offers and live negotiations with the DRC government but did not provide finalized contractual details.","Witnesses told the Senate subcommittee that a U.S.‑brokered peace agreement and regional economic framework could formalize mineral sectors in eastern DRC and create opportunities for American companies to secure cobalt, coltan and other critical resources.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6142009,"Senators press U.S. agencies to disburse Lobito Corridor funds as alternative to China’s Belt and Road",840,2095000,2935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762&start=2095&end=2935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762/thumbnail_2095000.jpg","/articles/6142009/Senators-press-US-agencies-to-disburse-Lobito-Corridor-funds-as-alternative-to-Chinas-Belt-and-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142009-1e0d0a4513d6e0ff970af6ebbd68af8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495588&Signature=MOUzLBd~yHCVh8IiOB~5MsVq2ftJueg0a9H~WyGf0FMjhigObvcyQ9MHOR4bqWa0xmXs4nx0ULtMCr7zy4d0lsJzIrHZea4Ok6tKHm4uA0yTJAzURA-22oyKojHN23064J8zuKIetAYL2wCu~wFvD2d-tB5CiDR17Sg0ZcP8V7UiSbXhhHNcIQOWOI4-~t6nS0L44fMWUMHFgTYEirwYZOnC-GUHWw4TZTObNNNvfNMrgvq~~0Q-WQ1dvFrwpuEGpJfG9YPciX~Kuui0Jm1Jd48JiI5VzFT6DkLDHGpQkYOOc1atzJD~YVG-dLdxMN-PZ7SyLp84v0ykzs4BeJfsSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators on the Foreign Relations subcommittee pressed State Department witnesses about undisbursed U.S. investments in the Lobito Corridor and the role of the Development Finance Corporation in making the rail corridor commercially viable for mineral exports.

Senator Shaheen, who introduced bipartisan mineral security legislation with Senator Curtis, said the Lobito Corridor is a “strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road” and noted that a $553 million U.S. investment for the corridor has not been dispersed. She asked witnesses what is needed to get the project moving.

Ambassador Jonathan Pratt told the subcommittee the DFC plays a “critical role” in financing the project and urged Congress to reauthorize the DFC by October. “DFC support is essential to making these investments financially viable for U.S. companies in Africa,” Pratt said.

Pratt and Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Woodard said the U.S. approach mixes diplomatic engagement, embassy facilitation and public finance to derisk projects. Woodard described efforts to link U.S. companies with African governments and to use DFC and EXIM to enable commercially viable rail and port links that would channel minerals “west, not east to China.”

Senator Shaheen and other senators asked why disbursement is slow; Pratt said some funds are tied to benchmarks and implementation steps that require DFC processes and interagency coordination. Senators urged quicker action and clearer benchmarks so American firms can plan investments tied to the corridor.

The subcommittee emphasized that a commercially viable Lobito Corridor could help create export routes and regional stability in central and southern Africa, and they asked Congress to consider stronger capital and faster decisionmaking for public finance institutions supporting such infrastructure.","Members of the Senate subcommittee raised concerns about delayed U.S. investment in the Lobito Corridor, urged faster DFC support and commercial partnerships to keep African mineral routes out of Chinese control.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":92,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6142014,"Senate officials warn China’s dominance of Africa’s critical minerals threatens U.S. supply chains; urge commercial diplomacy",1065,1870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762&start=1870&end=2935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568982-26143b5ceef57e84730ba1d5ee7df762/thumbnail_1870000.jpg","/articles/6142014/Senate-officials-warn-Chinas-dominance-of-Africas-critical-minerals-threatens-US-supply-chains-urge-commercial-diplomacy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142014-4aaabb7a140d9f1fcf3d34f229f446ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770495588&Signature=HG26AXZRElnZDE587lQptvn7xUEBN3ryorxNMtCOqOCF-2o9tWADxVMlhFEw~2MnuTvuGrKDTLT0lyt0wWqSHw8A1r5eDdY4M8avqkr5HAFjWXsMWo74frrc8watJEYIX70pusiZFS1r4OD5EK8PZdBcqk-~w0uaRUhEWBaJf1cdAQuw6i1WY-xNk1SqqQVkHVTqZmgVZdaJ~HR~KCn0V0of~UqMFXp7nJ-HdXR25UvrC1vw0OrN2gpvS5Jefm--7OpsOsPFL9xykU7hHHzto3vuIfWbi-W0Ol3LBVRuuOTvK4uMKWpBVeumLqKpSZXO2L5p3YEezPcaDt0cQ1nb0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing, lawmakers and senior State Department officials said China’s dominance of mineral processing and refining in Africa poses an “acute national security threat” to U.S. supply chains for defense and high‑tech industries.

The hearing focused on how to strengthen U.S.–Africa partnerships to secure supplies of cobalt, lithium, rare earths and other materials. Chairman Cruz opened the session saying, “China is a global threat that must be confronted globally,” and described Chinese Belt and Road loans as a tool Beijing uses to gain leverage over African mineral assets.

Why this matters: U.S. defense platforms and advanced technologies depend on critical minerals. Witnesses and senators repeatedly warned that heavy reliance on Chinese processing capacity leaves U.S. industry and national security vulnerable to supply disruptions, price manipulation and economic coercion.

State Department witness Ambassador Jonathan Pratt said Africa is central to U.S. strategy to reduce those vulnerabilities, noting the continent’s reserves of cobalt, lithium, tantalum and graphite and pointing to U.S. executive orders targeting mineral production. “The administration’s approach prioritizes partnerships with African nations to ensure their minerals flow west, not east to China,” Pratt testified.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Woodard described a two‑pronged problem: the need to expand U.S. mining and processing capacity at home and to diversify overseas supply chains away from China. Woodard said embassies and regional strategies aim to link American firms with African governments and financing tools such as the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Export‑Import Bank.

Senator Booker, the ranking member, criticized recent policy changes and staffing cuts at the State Department, saying the U.S. has “retreated” in Africa and that reductions to programs like the Millennium Challenge Corporation and other assistance undermine longer‑term commercial diplomacy. Booker said a comprehensive U.S. strategy should “reflect our values, protect our interests and reduce barriers for investment.”

Witnesses and senators also discussed domestic actions to increase onshore capacity, citing the Mountain Pass rare earth facility and Department of Defense investments in domestic processing. Pratt and Woodard emphasized that onshoring alone will not meet demand and that parallel engagement with African partners is required.

The subcommittee closed with senators signaling bipartisan interest in reauthorizing and better capitalizing public finance tools, and with the panel noting that senators may submit additional questions for the record. The hearing adjourned with a request for more interagency coordination and a focus on both domestic and overseas investment to secure supply chains.","At a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing, lawmakers and State Department officials said China’s control of mineral processing and refining in Africa poses national security and economic risks and called for increased U.S. investment, embassy engagement and better use of development finance institutions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Montana senators and witnesses warn of Russian palladium dumping, urge trade remedies to protect Stillwater Mine jobs

Officials say DRC‑Rwanda peace framework could open pathways for U.S. access to cobalt, coltan and other minerals

Senators press U.S. agencies to disburse Lobito Corridor funds as alternative to China’s Belt and Road

Senate officials warn China’s dominance of Africa’s critical minerals threatens U.S. supply chains; urge commercial diplomacy