China's Antimony Export Restrictions Spark Western Mining Revival

China's imposition of strict export restrictions on antimony in August 2024 has created significant supply chain vulnerabilities for Western nations, particularly in defense and high-tech sectors where the mineral is essential. Controlling nearly 80% of global antimony production, China cited national security concerns for the restrictions, leaving countries like the United States urgently seeking domestic and allied alternatives. The mineral's critical role in hardening ammunition and enhancing flame-resistant armor makes it indispensable for major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin (https://www.lockheedmartin.com) and Northrop Grumman (https://www.northropgrumman.com), raising concerns about potential production disruptions and defense readiness.

The supply crisis has accelerated development of North American mining projects, with Perpetua Resources' Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho emerging as a potential domestic solution. Backed by government funding and fast-tracked permits, the project represents a strategic effort to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. Perpetua's CEO Jon Cherry characterized the initiative as beneficial for both Idaho and U.S. security, highlighting the dual advantages of local economic development and national supply chain resilience.

Military Metals Corp. has positioned itself as a key player in addressing the antimony shortage through strategic acquisitions in North America and Europe. The company recently acquired the historic West Gore Antimony Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, which previously served as the country's largest antimony mine with impressive historical drill results showing 10.6 grams per tonne of gold and 3.4% antimony across 7.07 meters. The company further expanded its European presence through acquisition of three properties in Slovakia, including the Trojarova and Tiennesgrund antimony projects and the Medvedi-Potok tin project, all containing substantial historical data from Soviet-era exploration.

These mining initiatives align with broader Western efforts to secure critical resources and may benefit from regulatory support such as the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, which could facilitate funding for mineral development across the continent. The global antimony market has experienced dramatic price increases, rising from $11,000 per tonne to over $34,000 due to recent supply disruptions, underscoring the mineral's critical importance in advanced battery technologies, military equipment, and renewable energy solutions.

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global supply chains, companies developing North American and European antimony projects are becoming increasingly vital to Western economic and defense stability. The ongoing exploration and development work represents a strategic shift toward diversified and secure mineral supply chains, reducing dependence on imports from politically sensitive regions while supporting defense readiness and technological advancement across multiple sectors.