Critical Minerals

Antimony – A Strategic Critical Mineral

Antimony is a high-value critical mineral essential to modern industry, defence and emerging technologies. With global supply heavily concentrated and increasingly restricted, antimony has become a strategic priority for Western economies.

Antimony is formally recognised as a critical mineral by multiple governments, including: European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan.

What is Antimony?

Antimony is a metalloid primarily sourced from the mineral stibnite (Sb₂S₃). It is valued for its ability to enhance strength, durability and heat resistance when alloyed with other metals.

Despite its relatively niche profile, antimony plays a critical role across multiple industrial and high-tech applications.

Key Uses

Antimony’s versatility demonstrates its classification as a critical mineral across major jurisdictions.

Primary applications include:

  • Energy storage – hardening agent in lead-acid batteries
  • Flame retardants – widely used in plastics, textiles and electronics
  • Alloys & metallurgy – improves strength and corrosion resistance
  • Defence & technology – semiconductors, infrared systems and military applications

Supply Dynamics

Global antimony supply is highly concentrated, with China dominating both production and processing. In 2024, China imposed export restrictions to the US, which has intensified supply concerns.