Tester statement on GM decision to resume buying Stillwater palladium

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement in response to the news that General Motors (GM) will resume buying palladium from Montana’s Stillwater Mine—the only producer of platinum and palladium in the U.S.:

“It just makes sense for GM to get back in the business of buying from American companies because American taxpayers saved GM.  This decision means more good jobs in Montana and a stronger future for Stillwater Mine, for the folks who work there, and for the communities that benefit from it.”

General Motors announced in July 2009 that it was ending its contract with Stillwater for palladium, used in the production of catalytic converters for vehicle engines.  

After GM cancelled its contract with Stillwater Mine in July of 2009, Tester and Senator Max Baucus sent a letter to GM CEO Fritz Henderson urging him to reconsider his decision.  Tester also took hundreds of comments from the public on the decision.  He toured the mine in Nye, Mont., in August of 2009.