Antimony
A Critical Mineral for a Sustainable and Secure Future
Canagold Identifies Significant Antimony Production Potential at New Polaris
Antimony, designated as a critical mineral by Canada, the United States, and the European Union, plays a pivotal role in the global economy. With its unique properties and diverse applications, antimony is essential for advancing technology, bolstering energy security, and supporting the transition to a sustainable future.
Key Applications of Antimony
- Defense Technologies
Antimony’s flame-retardant properties are vital for protective materials in defense, ensuring safety and durability under extreme conditions. - Renewable Energy
As a critical component in solar panels, wind turbines, and cutting-edge energy storage solutions like molten salt (liquid metal) batteries, antimony is driving the green energy revolution. Its anti-corrosion qualities ensure the longevity of these renewable technologies. - Semiconductors
Antimony is integral to manufacturing semiconductors, the backbone of modern electronics and communication systems. - Fire Safety
Its flame-retardant applications enhance safety in construction, textiles, and industrial equipment, making it indispensable in critical industries.
Global Demand and Strategic Importance
- Supply Chain Challenges
China dominates global antimony production, accounting for the majority of supply alongside Russia and Tajikistan. Recent export restrictions by China have highlighted the need for alternative sources to secure supply chains. - Rising Prices
Antimony prices surged to over $35,000 per tonne in 2024 due to constrained supply and increasing demand. This marks a significant jump from $12,000 per tonne just a few years earlier, reflecting its growing value in the global market. - Critical Mineral Status
Antimony’s designation as a critical mineral has spurred governments worldwide to prioritize domestic production, offering incentives and grants to encourage exploration and development.
The Role of Antimony in Renewable Energy
As nations transition toward carbon neutrality, antimony’s role in renewable energy is becoming more prominent:
- Batteries for Energy Storage
Antimony is central to the development of large-scale liquid metal batteries, an innovative solution for renewable energy storage. Companies like Ambri, backed by investors such as Bill Gates, are leveraging antimony to build the next generation of energy storage systems. - Solar and Wind Power
Its anti-corrosion properties make antimony critical for enhancing the efficiency and durability of solar panels and wind turbines. - Flame Retardants for Infrastructure
Antimony enhances fire resistance in renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to safety and longevity.
Economic Opportunities in Antimony
With the global antimony market expected to grow to $2.2 billion by 2035, this mineral represents a significant economic and strategic opportunity:
- Technological Advancements
Its use in new technologies ensures sustained demand, particularly in renewable energy and defense sectors. - Strategic Resource Development
Nations are accelerating efforts to develop domestic sources of antimony to reduce reliance on imports and enhance economic resilience.
New Polaris: Unlocking the Potential of Gold and Antimony
Canagold Resources Ltd. has announced the presence of antimony mineralization at the New Polaris Gold Project, alongside its well-defined gold resources. This dual-mineral asset , has the potential to position New Polaris as a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growing global demand for both gold and antimony.
Metallurgical Success: High Recovery Rates*
Recent metallurgical testing on New Polaris samples demonstrates promising results for antimony recovery:
- 92% of the antimony from the feed was successfully recovered into the bulk sulphide gold concentrate.
- Concentrates averaged 3.07% antimony and 80.1 g/t gold, showcasing the potential for efficient co-production.
These results highlight the project’s ability to produce both minerals with minimal additional costs, offering enhanced value for stakeholders.
*Please refer to Canagold’s news release dated Jan 8, 2025 for more technical details. Link
A Potential Synergy of Gold and Antimony at New Polaris
The prospects for the dual production potential of gold and antimony positions New Polaris as a unique and strategic asset:
- Economic Synergy: Antimony could provide an additional revenue stream, that could enhance the project’s economics.
- Strategic Contribution: Supports the global supply of critical minerals and aligns with Canada’s critical mineral initiatives.
- Efficient Integration: Antimony production could integrate seamlessly into existing gold development plans without impacting permitting timelines.
The Future of New Polaris
Canagold is committed to advancing New Polaris as a dual gold-antimony producer, leveraging its strategic location and advanced project stage. Ongoing metallurgical testing and resource evaluations will optimize processing conditions and further define antimony resources in 2025.
CEO’s Vision
“We are excited about the prospect for Canagold to produce antimony alongside gold at the New Polaris project,” said Catalin Kilofliski, CEO of Canagold. “This valuable metal has the potential to create a new revenue stream that could add substantial value with minimal additional costs. The advanced stage of New Polaris positions Canagold at the forefront of Canadian companies contributing to the critical mineral supply while meeting the growing demand for gold and antimony.”
Antimony is more than just a mineral, it is a cornerstone of modern innovation, energy security, and sustainability. Its diverse applications, critical role in renewable energy, and strategic importance underscore the need for reliable and diversified antimony supplies. As global demand continues to grow, securing sustainable sources of antimony will drive progress across industries, ensuring a greener, safer, and more technologically advanced future.