Focus on: Antimony, an Obscure but Vital Critical Mineral

What is antimony, and how is it mined?

Antimony is a metallic element (chemical symbol ‘Sb’) that occurs primarily as the sulphide mineral stibnite, which is the principal ore for antimony mining operations worldwide.

The extraction of antimony involves both underground and surface mining methods, depending on the ore deposit's characteristics. After extraction, the ore undergoes crushing and flotation processes to concentrate the antimony content. The concentrate then goes through a smelting process to produce antimony metal or antimony oxide.

Which are the top antinomy-producing countries?

China is the dominant producer of antimony, accounting for approximately 60% of global production. The Twinkling Star mine in Hunan Province, operated by Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star, is the country’s biggest antimony production facility. In 2023, Chinese antimony production reached 60,000 tonnes.

Russia is the second-largest producer, with an output of 30,000 tonnes in 2023. The Sarylakh-Surma mining company manages operations in the Sakha Republic. 

Tajikistan follows, with an annual production of 17,000 tonnes, where the Anzob Mining and Processing Enterprise oversees extraction activities.

Burma contributes 10,000 tonnes to global supply, though production data remains incomplete due to limited reporting mechanisms. 

Australia has increased its production capacity, with Strategic Metals Australia, a mining corporation, developing new deposits in New South Wales.

Industrial applications of antinomy

Antimony is used across diverse industrial sectors. Industries requiring flame-retardant materials account for 60% of global production. Antimony trioxide, when combined with halogenated compounds (when one hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen), creates effective flame retardants for plastics, textiles, and rubber materials.

• The lead-acid battery sector uses antimony to harden lead plates, enhancing battery performance and longevity. These batteries serve automotive, industrial, and energy storage applications. 
• The glass and ceramics industry employs antimony oxide as a fining agent and decolouriser in the production of speciality glass.
• Antimony compounds also play a role in the semiconductor industry, where they function as dopants in the manufacture of infrared detectors and diodes. 
• The chemical industry uses it in the production of catalysts for the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in beverage containers.

Antimony and geopolitical complexities

The concentration of antimony production in China presents supply chain vulnerabilities for global industries. The Chinese government has implemented production quotas and export restrictions, citing environmental concerns and resource conservation. THis has led to price volatility in the international antimony market.

Western nations have expressed concern over the security of antimony supply. The US Department of Defense has designated antimony as a critical material, emphasising its importance in military applications and the limited domestic production capacity.

Efforts to diversify supply chains have gained momentum. The European Union, through its Critical Raw Materials Act, has outlined plans to reduce dependency on Chinese antimony. Mining companies in Australia, Canada, and Turkey have initiated exploration projects to develop new antimony resources.

The environmental impact of antimony mining has also drawn scrutiny from regulatory bodies and environmental organisations. Waste management and water contamination present challenges for mining operators. Stringent environmental standards have also increased operational costs for producers.

What’s the future for antimony mining?

Market analysts project sustained demand for antimony, driven by growth in flame retardant applications and the expansion of the electric vehicle sector. 

The development of recycling technologies for antimony also presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on primary production. However, current recycling rates remain low due to technical and economic constraints.

As industries seek alternatives to antimony in certain applications, research continues into substitute materials. Nevertheless, the unique properties of antimony ensure its continued relevance in critical industrial processes for the foreseeable future.