Despite antimony prices sliding considerably this year, declining by around 22.5 per cent in North America, demand stays robust in the United States and beyond. Manufacturers continue to seek this critical mineral for flame retardants, batteries and defence applications particularly, outpacing prior years even as spot prices weaken.
China, the world’s top supplier, saw domestic production dip roughly 8 per cent in the first half of 2026. Yet the country is now eyeing higher output in the second half, expecting a 5 per cent year-over-year increase to round out the year at 80,000 tons.
This rebound ties directly to a massive surge in ore and concentrate imports which Chinese smelters will refine domestically. About 48,658 metric tons from January to May to be specific, up 209 per cent year-over-year.
These stats, sourced from Shanghai Metals Market’s new H1 overview, signal shifting dynamics. Exports to Western nations look set to remain relatively stagnant.
A suspension of China’s antimony export ban to the U.S. (in place until November) has brought little relief, with Americans receiving minimal shipments in recent months. Although other nations have historically relied on Chinese antimony, the United States has been hit worst due to their immense needs, trade conflicts with Beijing and almost no production at home.
Read more: NevGold Corp. reports antimony grades up to 53.7 per cent at Nevada project
U.S. mining firms step up to fill the void
With Chinese supply unreliable and U.S. domestic production almost non-existent, several companies now race to close the gap. They position themselves as vital links in the American critical minerals chain.
Perpetua Resources Corp (TSE: PPTA) (NASDAQ: PPTA) is leading the charge toward major production in Idaho. The firm benefits from strong financial backing and pushes construction forward on its ambitious Stibnite project, aiming to deliver significant new supply.
United States Antimony Corp (NYSE: UAMY) produces antimony products at small scale. This company has been growing its mining, processing and production ambitions in the country and recently captured market attention by uplisting to the NYSE.
On top of this larger-scale momentum, NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50) is also advancing a promising brownfield site in Nevada. The company holds material stockpiles ready for processing and shows strong near-term production potential from high-grade oxide antimony, offering a faster route to output than many greenfield efforts.
These efforts highlight how select American companies are moving decisively to secure domestic antimony, thereby loosening China’s grip on an essential mineral for their nation.
Read more: NevGold launches 20,000-metre drill campaign at Nevada antimony-gold project
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NevGold is a sponsor of Mugglehead news coverage
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