The Growing Crisis in Antimony Trioxide Supply in the United States

The supply of Antimony Trioxide, a critical component in various industries, is rapidly becoming a pressing issue in the United States. Prices have skyrocketed from just over $5 per pound at the beginning of 2024 to $10 per pound by the end of the year. Projections for early 2025 suggest prices could soar beyond $25 per pound. This unprecedented surge is linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. As China ceases its export of Antimony metal to the United States, the ripple effects are being felt across multiple sectors, including military and construction.

The Strategic Importance of Antimony

Antimony is a critical mineral with applications in both defense and civilian industries:

• Military Applications:
  • Manufacturing of night vision goggles
  • Production of armor-piercing rounds
  • Development of advanced defense systems
• Civilian Applications:
  • Used as a fire retardant in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, such as:
    • Roofing membranes
    • Wire and cable insulation
    • Wallboards

The U.S. dependence on China is stark:

• China supplies approximately 48% of the world’s Antimony, making its export ban a global challenge.
• The U.S. relies on China for about 63% of its Antimony imports, leaving industries vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and volatile pricing.

Global Antimony Producers and U.S. Partnerships

Several countries besides China have active antimony mining operations, with varying degrees of alignment with U.S. interests:

1. Australia
   • A strong ally with a stable political environment.
   • Committed to sustainable mining practices.
2. Bolivia
   • Holds significant antimony reserves.
   • Mixed relationship with the U.S., but offers potential for collaboration.
3. Turkey
   • As a NATO ally, Turkey is a viable partner.
   • Diplomatic and regional tensions may pose challenges.
4. Tajikistan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan
   • These nations are less aligned with U.S. interests due to ties with China and Russia.

Key Takeaway: Strengthening trade relationships with Australia, Bolivia, and Turkey is essential to securing critical mineral supply chains.

Domestic Production Challenges

The U.S. has domestic Antimony reserves in Idaho and Alaska, with Canada also offering accessible mines. However, several obstacles hinder production:

• Environmental Regulations: Strict permitting processes delay mine development.
• Time to Operationalize: Even with accelerated efforts, it could take years for U.S. mines to contribute meaningfully to supply.

Key U.S.-Based Companies Addressing the Crisis:

1. Perpetua Resources
   • Redeveloping the Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho.
   • Focused on obtaining permits and exploring renewable energy partnerships.
2. United States Antimony Corporation (USAC)
   • Operates the only significant Antimony smelter in the U.S.
   • Increasing raw material supply from non-Chinese sources to meet domestic demand.

A Broader Call to Action

The Antimony crisis underscores vulnerabilities in global supply chains. However, this challenge is not unique to Antimony. The U.S. must prioritize self-reliance in critical minerals and metals essential for manufacturing, defense, and infrastructure.

Action Steps for the United States:

1. Support the Mining Industry
   • Develop domestic mines and processing facilities under stringent environmental regulations.
   • Streamline permitting processes for responsible mining projects.
2. Promote Innovation in Waste Management
   • Encourage mining companies to implement methods for sustainable waste management.
3. Diversify Supply Sources
   • Reduce reliance on nations with conflicting values.
   • Cultivate trade relationships with allied nations like Australia, Bolivia, and Turkey.
4. Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains
   • Incentivize companies to establish integrated domestic supply chains to reduce geopolitical risks.
5. Advocate for Policy Change
   • Work with policymakers to raise awareness about critical minerals and balance environmental and economic priorities.

Securing the Future

The U.S. economy operates within a global framework, but strategic autonomy requires prioritizing domestic resilience. By fostering a mining industry capable of meeting domestic demand, the U.S. can safeguard its economic and national security interests. The choices made today will shape the nation’s ability to navigate future challenges with resilience and independence.

Ronald Mark Associates and E Squared Technical Textiles: Mitigating Supply Chain Challenges

At Ronald Mark Associates and E Squared Technical Textiles, we are collaborating with suppliers and global partners to maintain our position as a cost-effective and competitive supplier. While managing costs and securing stable supply chains remain priorities, we recognize the growing risk of similar disruptions affecting other critical materials. Without a proactive strategy, the U.S. may face an unsustainable cycle of supply shortages.