EXIM Financing Backs Titan Mining’s Zinc and Critical Minerals Expansion

ESM Secures Landmark EXIM Financing for Domestic Zinc and Graphite Growth

Titan Mining has secured $15.8 million in financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for its Empire State Mines (ESM) in St. Lawrence County, New York. This deal marks EXIM’s first direct mining loan under the “Make More in America Initiative” (MMIA), a U.S. federal program focused on reshoring critical mineral production. The funding will support capital upgrades to expand zinc output and lay the groundwork for future graphite operations.

The EXIM loan features a 7-year term with a two-year interest-only grace period. This structure ensures Titan retains financial flexibility while boosting production. According to Titan, the zinc operations will remain cash-generative, allowing the company to deleverage its balance sheet and fund early-stage investments in graphite. These developments are vital to the U.S. strategy of strengthening domestic supply chains for energy and defense applications.

Titan’s ESM is set to retain 135 existing jobs and create at least 10 new positions under EXIM’s employment requirements. The investment will modernize capital equipment and infrastructure at the site, bolstering Titan’s role as a domestic supplier of both base and critical minerals. CEO Don Taylor highlighted the support as a validation of Titan’s long-term strategy, especially as the company advances the first integrated flake graphite facility in the U.S. since 1956.

Strategic Significance for U.S. Mineral Policy and Supply Chain Resilience

This financing milestone reinforces the federal government’s focus on reshoring mineral supply chains. Titan’s graphite initiative aligns with broader energy transition goals, as flake graphite is a core component in lithium-ion batteries. Rita Adiani, President of Titan, emphasized the broader policy implications, noting that this partnership represents a foundational move in securing a transparent, domestic supply of critical materials.

Meanwhile, EXIM Acting President James Cruse framed the deal as part of the U.S. strategy to compete with China in securing essential resources. With EXIM’s backing, Titan gains more than capital—it gains policy alignment, credibility, and a long-term foothold in the U.S. minerals landscape. As Titan moves toward constructing its graphite facility, it positions itself as a critical node in North America’s clean energy supply chain.

This deal reflects a growing trend of public-private collaboration in rebuilding the U.S. industrial base, especially in strategic sectors like battery materials and base metals. It also signals that mineral development in New York and other legacy mining districts can regain prominence under the right financing and policy frameworks.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Titan Mining’s $15.8 million EXIM financing showcases how public capital can unlock private potential in strategic resources. With zinc already flowing and graphite in development, Empire State Mines is now a key asset in reshoring U.S. mineral capacity. This deal also marks a shift in how federal institutions view mining—not just as resource extraction, but as national strategy. Investors should closely monitor the build-out of Titan’s graphite operations, especially given rising demand for battery-grade materials in both defense and clean energy sectors.