Remember the concerns about the nitrocellulose supply?

Also the questions about why the HELL anyone thought letting us get dependent on the PRC for important supplies was a good idea?

Antimony’s Critical Role

Antimony is a crucial material for the U.S. defense sector, particularly for hardening lead bullets and creating other munitions. The closure of domestic antimony mines in the early 2000s has left the U.S. entirely dependent on foreign sources, with China being the most significant supplier. Recent efforts, such as the proposed reopening of the Stibnite Gold Mine in Idaho, are intended to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. However, these projects will take years to come online, meaning the U.S. remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in the short term.

Nitrocellulose and Ammunition Production

Nitrocellulose, another critical component in ammunition manufacturing, has also become a point of geopolitical tension. Nitrocellulose is used in propellant powder and is necessary for both firearms and artillery. Europe, too, has felt the pinch, as European countries rely on China for the bulk of their nitrocellulose imports to supply Ukraine with ammunition during its ongoing conflict with Russia.

In May 2024, a major nitrocellulose plant in Hubei province, China, exploded, further tightening the supply chain. Although nitrocellulose is relatively simple to produce, its hazardous nature means that only a few companies are qualified to handle its production. With China now restricting its exports of nitrocellulose, European and U.S. ammunition manufacturers are scrambling to find alternative sources.

I guarantee that any actions to expand mining and manufacture here, and in friendly places, are going to have the watermelons* screaming against it to 'save Mother Gaia', and the leftists will want to stop it because it will weaken us.