Discovering Critical Elements for the Future
Antimony Market
Antimony in Great Demand – It is Essential for National Defense, Technology and Clean Energy Storage.
There are no domestically mined sources of antimony, and China, Russia and Tajikistan control 90% of the world’s supply. In September and December 2024, China restricted global and US antimony exports.
The global supply of antimony has been under the control of Chinese interests for over 100 years. Including processing, China controls approximately 80% of the global supply. In September 2024, the Chinese government restricted global antimony exports, cutting the world off from antimony access by 97%. In December 2024, China explicitly restricted antimony exports to the United States. The US has no mined source of antimony in production today.
Critical Element in Modern Military and Defense Applications
Antimony is an essential material in the military and defense sectors due to its unique properties and versatile applications. It is used in the production of flame retardant fabrics, which are crucial for the safety of military personnel. Additionally, antimony is a key component in communication equipment, night vision goggles, ammunition, and laser sighting devices. Its ability to enhance the durability and performance of these critical tools makes it indispensable for modern defense strategies. The demand for antimony in military applications is expected to rise as global geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced defense technologies continue to grow.
Powering the Future of Energy Storage and Grid Stability
Antimony plays a crucial role in the power grid and power delivery systems, particularly in the development of advanced energy storage solutions. Its unique properties, such as heat resistance and the ability to prevent thermal runaway, make it an essential component in modern battery technologies. Antimony is used in molten salt batteries, which offer reliable, low-cost, and long-lasting energy storage solutions. These batteries are vital for integrating renewable energy sources into the electric grid, ensuring a stable and efficient power supply. As the demand for renewable energy and efficient energy storage continues to grow, antimony's importance in the power grid and power delivery systems is expected to increase significantly
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Antimony is a critical element in the production of electrical components, playing a vital role in enhancing the performance and efficiency of semiconductor devices. It is used as a dopant in silicon to create n-type semiconductors, which are essential for the conductivity and functionality of electronic components. Additionally, antimony is a key material in the production of indium antimonide, a compound semiconductor known for its high electron mobility and sensitivity to infrared light. This makes it invaluable for applications such as infrared detectors, thermal imaging cameras, and optoelectronic devices. As the demand for advanced semiconductor technologies continues to grow, antimony's importance in the production of electrical components is expected to increase significantly.