Is antimony becoming the gold of the new era? – Serbia has this metal too

The prices of antimony, which has become one of the most important raw materials on a global level, have exploded this year – they have “jumped” nearly 300 percent, exceeding gold, silver, and even bitcoin. This is a critical mineral which is of vital importance, especially in the defense industry and for switching to electric cars. It is necessary for armor-piercing ammunition, infrared sensors, bullets, precision optics, nuclear weapons, semi-conductors, cables and batteries. It is probably not a surprise that Serbia has this demanded metal as well, and experts should tell whether this could be a good opportunity for the development of the country or a curse.

The considerable increase in the price of antimony happened after Beijing limited the export of that raw material in mid-September, in order to boost the security of its own country, which has caused shocks in the technological and defense industries. This Chinese control measure has created a critical scarcity in the U.S forces. In the most recent escalation of the trade war of the world’s two biggest economies, China has made a new response to the increasing restrictions of the U.S. authorities. Two days ago, Beijing announced a ban on the export of antimony to the U.S.A., as well as gallium, germanium and other key high-tech materials with potential military application. On that occasion Reuters reported a statement by a European metals trader:

– Everyone will dig in their backyard to find antimony.

Many countries will try to find deposits of this metal. Many will search for it, and in Serbia, reserves of antimony have been determined. Several years ago, approvals for the exploitation of antimony in three locations were issued, but it is not being exploited. These are Brasina, in the municipality of Krupanj, Centralni revir – Zajaca, in the municipality of Loznica, and Rajiceva Gora, in the municipality of Brus.

As for the explorations, this metal is mostly explored in association with other metals, most frequently lead and zinc. There are currently seven active exploration fields, within which, among other things, antimony is being searched for. The antimony mine Rujevac near Zajaca used to be active in its time, and in 2008, it was estimated to be the biggest site of this type of metal in Europe.

From USD 11,000 to 40,000

In the world exchanges, the prices of antimony have jumped during 2024 from USD 11,000 per ton to over USD 40,000, writes the OilPrice portal. Experts project that it will exceed USD 50,000 in the next year.

Rudarsko geološki fakultet Univerziteta u Beogradu

antimony

Centralni revir Zajača

Rajićeva Gora