Schweitzer seeks to save Stillwater Mining Co.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana's bolo tie-wearing former governor is teaming up with an unlikely ally — a New York hedge fund — to seek control of a precious metals mining company that has sunk more than $500 million into projects deemed questionable in Canada and Argentina.

Democrat Brian Schweitzer says he's intervening to save Stillwater Mining Co. and its 1,500 employees from the same fate that befell Montana's legendary Anaconda Co. That copper industry giant cratered after the Chilean government took over much of its foreign assets in the 1970s.

Stillwater operates the only platinum and palladium mines in the U.S.

Schweitzer and the Clinton Group hedge fund want the company to refocus on those Montana mines.

They announced Monday intentions to oust Stillwater's leadership and seat new directors, including Schweitzer.