This story was updated at 5:19 p.m. EDT.
International mining company Sibanye-Stillwater is planning to lay off more than 700 workers at its mines in Montana due to cratering prices, “Russian dumping” and weak tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act — and at least one Republican senator from the Treasure State is blaming the Biden administration.
The South African mining company announced plans to cut hundreds of jobs — employees and contractors — due to low prices for palladium, a silvery-white metal that’s used in everything from catalytic converters to dental fillings and jewelry.
Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, an outspoken critic of the administration’s mining policies, blasted the White House for the company’s decision before introducing legislation that would ban the import of minerals from Russia — including platinum, palladium and copper.
