Metal for bullets risks bigger shortage after near-300% surge
A global shortage of antimony, an essential component in munitions, is exacerbated by increasing military demand, particularly as the US and European countries work to replenish their stockpiles in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Larvotto Resources Ltd., a company poised to launch one of the few new antimony mines in the West, the situation could significantly impact both military and industrial sectors dependent on this critical element.
### Antimony’s Rising Importance
Antimony’s value, crucial for military applications such as bullet cores, explosives, and shrapnel weapons, has seen prices soar nearly fourfold in the past year. This increase can be attributed to Chinese restrictions on exports of important materials, which has intensified the hunt for antimony across various high-tech and defense industries.
### New Sources on the Horizon
Larvotto Resources Ltd. aims to commence mining operations in Australia next year, offering a potential lifeline to Western nations striving to secure a stable antimony supply in an industry heavily influenced by China and Russia. Ron Heeks, managing director at Larvotto, emphasizes that the need for antimony is pressing as Western military backers of Ukraine are now facing depleting stockpiles that require replenishment.
### Recycling Challenges
Interestingly, Heeks points out that while munitions typically allow for the recycling of antimony and lead back into new weaponry, the ongoing conflict has redirected these materials to the front lines, preventing their reuse for production. This depletion highlights the urgency to develop alternative supply routes for antimony, which, although primarily used in military contexts, also supports a variety of industries, including flame retardants and lead-acid batteries.
### Supply and Demand Disparity
The demand for antimony outside the battery sector is substantial, with an estimated requirement of about 120,000 tons per year against a production capacity of just 80,000 tons. The overwhelming majority of mined antimony—approximately 87%—comes from countries like China, Russia, and Tajikistan, leaving international markets vulnerable to supply disruptions as political tensions fluctuate.
### Geopolitical Influences
Further complicating the landscape is China’s December ban on exports to the US of antimony along with other essential materials such as gallium and germanium. This strategic maneuvering starkly illustrates the geopolitical gamesmanship surrounding critical resources. Concurrently, the Biden administration has taken steps to boost domestic production, recently approving a proposed mine in Idaho aimed at generating a local antimony supply, partially funded by the Defense Department.
### Australia’s Strategic Position
Larvotto’s upcoming Grovehill project is set to become Australia’s largest antimony mine, potentially fulfilling up to 7% of the global demand. This development signals a noteworthy shift in the geography of antimony mining, which has been predominantly controlled by a few nations.
### Conclusion
As the military landscape continues to evolve, so too does the importance of securing critical materials like antimony. With rising demand driven by geopolitical tensions and military needs, the establishment of new supply chains—particularly within Western nations—will be essential. The forthcoming initiatives in Australia may provide a much-needed solution to the antimony shortage, thereby supporting both military preparedness and broader industrial applications.