How American West Metals Is Building America’s First Domestic Indium Supply Chain

Strategic Government Engagement

American West Metals Limited (ASX, AW1) has taken a decisive step to strengthen its ties with the US government by appointing Ervin Graves Strategy Group, a leading Washington DC government relations firm. This move is designed to position the company’s 100%-owned West Desert Project in Utah at the forefront of the United States’ critical minerals strategy, particularly for indium; a metal vital to aerospace, defence, energy, and telecommunications sectors.

Ervin Graves brings significant experience, including connections at the highest levels of US government, which could prove instrumental in securing funding and partnerships. Their involvement signals American West’s intent to integrate closely with US policy initiatives, including potential support under the Defense Production Act Title III and the Department of Energy’s Critical Minerals Innovation Hub.

A World-Class Indium Resource

The West Desert Project boasts the largest indium resource in the United States, with a JORC-compliant inferred resource of nearly 24 million ounces. This is complemented by substantial zinc, copper, gold, and silver resources, alongside promising exploration targets for gallium. Notably, only a fraction of drill samples have been assayed for indium, suggesting the deposit’s potential could be even greater.

Located on private land in Utah; a jurisdiction rated among the lowest risk for mining; the project benefits from a streamlined regulatory environment and strong state government support. This private land ownership offers a competitive advantage, potentially accelerating development approvals compared to projects on federal land.

Critical Minerals and National Security

Indium has emerged as a critical metal for US national security, especially after China imposed export restrictions in 2025, disrupting global supply chains. Currently, the US imports 100% of its indium, exposing key industries to supply risks. American West Metals aims to establish the first domestic mine-to-market indium supply chain, addressing this strategic vulnerability.

The recent US National Security Strategy underscores the urgency of securing independent access to critical minerals. West Desert’s alignment with these priorities positions it as a potential cornerstone in the US’s efforts to build resilient, domestic supply chains for essential metals.

Advancing Development and Investor Engagement

With a major drilling program imminent, American West Metals is advancing exploration to expand and better define the resource. The company’s recent listing on the OTCQB Venture Exchange enhances its access to North American capital, reflecting growing investor interest in domestic critical minerals projects. Discussions are underway regarding potential future listings on larger US exchanges such as NASDAQ or NYSE, further embedding American West within the US market.

These developments come amid a broader US government push to fund and support critical mineral projects, exemplified by initiatives like the Pentagon’s multi-billion dollar funding for MP Materials and the Trump Administration’s 'Project Vault' to bolster strategic metal stockpiles.

Looking Ahead

American West Metals’ strategic engagement with US government agencies and its robust resource base place the West Desert Project in a strong position to become a key domestic supplier of indium and other critical metals. The company’s ability to navigate regulatory pathways, secure funding, and deliver on exploration promises will be closely watched by investors and policymakers alike.