Exhibit 5.01

    OPINION AND CONSENT OF HAWLEY TROXELL ENNIS & HAWLEY LLP


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                        September 8, 2000



United States Antimony Corporation
P.O. Box 643
1250 Prospect Creek Road
Thompson Falls, MT  59873

     Re:  United States Antimony Corporation
          Form SB-2 Registration Statement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This firm represents United States Antimony Corporation, a
Montana corporation (the "Company").  This opinion is delivered in
connection with the referenced Form SB-2 Registration Statement
relating to United States Antimony Corporation and the issuance of
up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par
value per share (hereinafter referred to as the "Common Stock")
upon conversion of certain debentures and exercise of certain
related warrants.  In connection therewith, we have examined
originals or copies of corporate records, certificates of public
officials and of officers of the Company and other instruments
relating to the authorization and issuance of such shares of Common
Stock as we have deemed relevant and necessary for the opinion
hereinafter expressed.

     On the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
issuance of up to 310,260 shares of Common Stock has been duly
authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, and that the
shares, when issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the debentures and/or the warrants, will be legally issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.

     The opinion herein expressed is limited to the laws of the
United States and the Montana Business Corporation Act, all as in
effect on the date hereof.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 and any
amendment thereof.

                         Sincerely,

                         HAWLEY TROXELL ENNIS & HAWLEY LLP


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