Industria
From Bullets to Batteries: Antimony's Role in National Security
During WWII, antimony was vital for producing ammunition, tungsten steel, and hardening lead bullets. The U.S. supplied 90% of its own needs back then. Not anymore.
America's enemies control almost all the world's antimony reserves. And now they are weaponizing it. And despite predictions of wild price increases of over 300% by January 2025 , there's light at the end of the tunnel for the U.S. and its allies, as a group of miners step in to boost supply in Australia , the European Union and North America .
says Military Metals Corp. CEO Scott Eldridge , a 17-year veteran of the Canadian mining sector.
has been busy scooping up antimony assets this year and is planning to help North America get back into the antimony game quickly by utilizing past producing mines in North America and Europe with large historical resources. At the moment, China accounts for around half of all global antimony production, and as of the end of last year, it supplied 60% of U.S. antimony imports.
As for the mines falling outside China's control, many of them send their antimony to China for processing–meaning China's hands are on most of the world's antimony supply. But two historical antimony projects recently acquired by Canada -based could put the United States on more solid critical metals footing.
Right as demand is soaring at an all-time high.
The U.S. Army, for one, is on an artillery shell production binge, seeking to ramp up output from 4,000 units/month to 100,000 units/month by the end of the year. They're preparing for war. And it all requires antimony, and China is blocking supply with export restrictions implemented in September this year.
The antimony supply squeeze is in full force.
And a ~200% surge in antimony prices "has been almost entirely supply driven", says CRU analyst Chetan Soni . "The surge has been almost entirely supply driven. It is not clear when the supply constraints will improve," Soni told Reuters in May of this year.
Military Metals has been busy adding key antimony assets to its portfolio in North America and the European Union. These acquisitions "strategically position" the company as a "leading explorer and developer of antimony," the company said in a press release.
plans to help put North America back on the global antimony map.
Anticipating a global supply crunch and North America's need to free its national security from the hands of China , the team behind Military Metals. has moved quickly on this opportunity.
With a foothold in Canada and a clear strategy to develop secure North American sources of antimony, the company is banking on the increased attention that the U.S. government and private sector are giving to securing critical resources.
In Canada , it has acquired the West Gore Antimony Project–one of Canada's largest historical producing antimony mines. Harboring both gold (10.6 gpt) and antimony (3.4%), the company acquired West Gore in late September this year, and then moved to consolidate more territory around the project on October 24 , rapidly expanding its footprint.
Canada's wealth of mineral resources, coupled with its rich mining history and robust environmental standards, positions it as a prime location for antimony miners. Its assets in the antimony space go beyond Nova Scotia , and across the Atlantic.
has also been scooping up antimony resources in the European Union, in Slovakia , where it recently announced it has purchased one of Europe's largest antimony deposits in Slovakia with historical reserves – the past-producing Trojarova Project.
Trojarova was shuttered in the '90s due to the waning post-Cold War demand–well before its resources were exploited. Its historical resource is more than 60,998 tons of antimony, worth over$2 billion at today's spot prices, according to documentation provided by Military Metals Corp.
With these acquisitions, says Eldridge, the company anticipates that the robust mining infrastructure in Slovakia aligns perfectly with the European Union's opening avenues for potential EU funding as it advances these projects toward production.
Antimony is positioned to become even more sought after as the race for military resources heats up—especially between the West and China.
Not only is antimony crucial for strengthening alloys and producing everything from bullets, nuclear weapons, explosive missiles, solar panels to batteries, but its demand is skyrocketing as nations scramble to secure supply chains for critical resources. The U.S. military relies heavily on antimony, yet the majority of the world's supply is controlled by China . The conditions are ripe for a breakout.
Antimony's strategic value only became widely apparent recently when Washington included it on its list of critical minerals essential to national security.
Since then, prices have surged.
Antimony prices have tripled since earlier this year from $12,000 per ton to over $38,000 .
And this may just be the beginning as the supply squeeze pushes on, driven by global warfare, hoarding, Chinese restrictions, and declining reserves.
Given the ever-present tension between the U.S. and China , control over antimony is about more than just economics—it's about geopolitics and military readiness.
In March 2024 , the European Union allocated 500,000,000 Euro's under the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) to boost output capacity to 2 million shells annually by the end of 2025. But the Western militaries have a major problem.
is keenly aware of this, and they're stepping up to the plate with an ambitious plan to become a major North American and European antimony player.
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide. It is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Lockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor in the world, and its products play a vital role in the defense of the United States and its allies. Some of its most well-known products include the F-35 fighter jet, the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and the THAAD missile defense system. Lockheed Martin is also a major player in the space industry, and it is currently developing the Orion spacecraft, which is designed to carry astronauts to Mars.
In recent years, Lockheed Martin has been focused on developing new technologies like AI and machine learning to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century. This includes investing in areas such as hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Lockheed Martin is also committed to expanding its international business, and it is currently pursuing opportunities in markets such as Europe , the Middle East , and Asia . The company's focus on innovation and growth is essential to its long-term success.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. With approximately 90,000 employees, Northrop Grumman is a major player in the defense and aerospace industry. The company is known for its expertise in developing cutting-edge technology , including stealth aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missile defense systems. Northrop Grumman is a key partner to the U.S. government and its allies, providing essential capabilities to maintain national security.
Northrop Grumman is focused on delivering value to its shareholders through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company is also committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Northrop Grumman's financial strength and commitment to shareholder value make it an attractive investment opportunity.
Raytheon Technologies is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. Formed in 2020 through the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation, Raytheon Technologies has approximately 180,000 employees and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts . The company operates through four segments: Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
Raytheon Technologies plays a vital role in the global aerospace and defense industry. The company's products and services help to ensure the safety and security of people around the world. Raytheon Technologies is also a major contributor to the U.S. economy, supporting thousands of jobs across the country. The company's continued success is important to the future of the aerospace and defense industry.
Huntington Ingalls Industries is America's largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. HII, with approximately 42,000 employees, designs, builds, and maintains nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, and provides after-market services for military ships around the globe. Huntington Ingalls also provides mission-critical national security solutions to government and commercial customers across the globe.
Huntington Ingalls Industries is the sole builder of aircraft carriers for the U.S. Navy and one of only two companies that build nuclear-powered submarines . The company's shipbuilding expertise is critical to the U.S. Navy's ability to maintain its global presence and protect national interests. Huntington Ingalls is also a major provider of technical and management services to the U.S. government.
NioCorp Developments is focused on developing the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project in Nebraska , which is expected to be a significant source of niobium, scandium, and titanium. Niobium is a critical material used in the production of high-strength steel alloys, which are essential for the construction of military vehicles, aircraft, and infrastructure. Scandium is used in advanced aluminum alloys for aerospace applications, and titanium is a crucial material for aerospace and defense applications due to its strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance.
NioCorp's Elk Creek project has the potential to establish a domestic supply of these critical minerals, reducing reliance on foreign sources and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base. By securing access to these materials, the U.S. can ensure the production of advanced military equipment and maintain its technological edge in the defense sector.
By. Michael Kern
**IMPORTANT! BY READING OUR CONTENT YOU EXPLICITLY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY**
Forward-Looking Statements
This publication contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this publication are based on current expectations and assumptions about future events, geopolitical developments, trade policies, market conditions, the company's strategic initiatives to address the critical shortage of antimony, and current expectations, estimates, and projections about the industry and markets in which the company operates. Factors that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include, but are not limited to, the impact of the recent U.S. election on various industries and specific companies, changes in government policies, market conditions, regulatory developments, geopolitical events and the company's ability to successfully acquire and develop new antimony resources and fluctuations in antimony prices. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
DISCLAIMERS
This communication is for entertainment purposes only. Never invest purely based on our communication. We have not been compensated by the companies mentioned in this article. While the opinions expressed in this article are based on information believed to be accurate and reliable, such information in our communications and on our website has not been independently verified and is not guaranteed to be correct. The content of this article is based solely on our opinions which are based on very limited analysis, and we are not professional analysts or advisors.
SHARE OWNERSHIP. The owner of Oilprice.com owns shares of the companies featured in this article and therefore has an incentive to see the featured companies' stock perform well. The owner of Oilprice.com will not notify the market when it decides to buy more or sell shares of the featured companies in the market. The owner of Oilprice.com will be buying and selling shares of the featured companies for its own profit and may take this opportunity to liquidate a portion of its position.
Accordingly, our views and opinions in this article are subject to bias, and why we stress that you should conduct your own extensive due diligence regarding the featured companies as well as seek the advice of your professional financial advisor or a registered broker-dealer before you consider investing in any securities of the featured companies or otherwise.
NOT AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Oilprice.com is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. You should not treat any opinion expressed herein as an inducement to make a particular investment or to follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of opinion. The opinions expressed herein do not consider the suitability of any investment with your particular objectives or risk tolerance. Investments or strategies mentioned in this article and on our website may not be suitable for you and are not intended as recommendations.
ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH and consult with a licensed investment professional before making any investment. This communication should not be used as a basis for making any investment in any securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
RISK OF INVESTING. Investing is inherently risky. Do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. There is a real risk of loss (including total loss of investment) in following any strategy or investment discussed in this article or on our website. This is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction. No representation is being made as to the future price of securities mentioned herein, or that any stock acquisition will or is likely to achieve profits.
DISCLAIMER: OilPrice.com is Source of all content listed above. FN Media Group, LLC (FNM), is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with OilPrice.com or any company mentioned herein. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by OilPrice.com are solely those of OilPrice.com and are not shared by and do not reflect in any manner the views or opinions of FNM. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM was not compensated by any public company mentioned herein to disseminate this press release.
FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.
This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.
Contact Information:
Media Contact e-mail: editor@financialnewsmedia.com U.S. Phone: +1(954)345-0611
View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/from-bullets-to-batteries-antimonys-role-in-national-security-302321583.html