A centuries-old tin company backed by funding from the US Department of Defense agreed to buy as much as 100% of the metal concentrates produced by an Australian mining firm under a multiyear offtake agreement financed by STG Metals.

Nathan Trotter & Co. will purchase up to the entire output of Huntore Australia Pty’s tin concentrate production from its mining and processing operations in Queensland, Australia, according to a statement Thursday.

The deal underscores growing US interest in securing critical mineral supply chains, with Nathan Trotter & Co. positioned to fully acquire Huntore's output. The agreement is supported by financing from STG Metals, which has ties to US defense-related investments.

This partnership highlights strategic moves to strengthen tin supply networks amid rising demand for critical minerals used in defense and clean energy technologies. The multiyear arrangement provides Huntore with a stable offtake partner while giving Nathan Trotter & Co. guaranteed access to Queensland tin concentrates.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the structure reflects broader efforts by US-backed firms to invest in overseas mining assets deemed vital to national security and industrial competitiveness.