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Schweitzer: GM-Stillwater Talks to Resume

By Beacon Staff

BILLINGS – Gov. Brian Schweitzer says General Motors Co. has agreed to resume negotiations with a Montana mining company that the automaker recently dropped as a supplier.

GM canceled its precious metals contract with Columbus-based Stillwater Mining Co. last month as part of a government-backed bankruptcy reorganization. The move brought a quick backlash from Schweitzer and members of Montana’s congressional delegation, who criticized GM for retaining contracts with two overseas suppliers in Russia and South Africa.

Schweitzer says GM chief executive Fritz Henderson told him in a telephone conversation that negotiations would resume with Stillwater next week.

As a result, the Democratic governor says he will again drive his Chevy pickup, which he had parked when the contract was canceled.