Defence · Stibnite (Sb₂S₃)

Antimony

China produces 60% of the world's mining. Ammunition primers and tracers, infrared sensors, flame retardants and lead-acid batteries.

60%: of mining is in China
0%: of EU imports of unwrought antimony from outside the EU came from China in August 2026
2: sites watched from orbit on OreOrbit
27 Nov: next deadline: China's suspended ban on gallium, germanium and antimony exports to the US is due to resume

Where it is made

Share of world output held by the leading country at each stage. Sources: 2024, USGS.

What Europe imports

In August 2026, the EU imported €15.7 m of unwrought antimony from outside the EU, 0% of it from China.

China everywhere else outside the EU. Monthly value of EU imports, Unwrought antimony. Source: Eurostat Comext.

Why it matters for Europe

The EU mines almost no antimony. China put antimony exports under licence in August 2024 and banned exports to the US in December 2024; that ban is suspended until 27 November 2026.

Key figures

60% of world antimony mine output came from China in 2024 (60,000 of about 100,000 t) USGS MCS 2025
0 t of antimony was mined in the United States in 2024 USGS MCS 2025

Sites on the atlas

XikuangshanMine, China
Stibnite Gold ProjectPlanned project, United States

Coming up

27 Nov 2026China's suspended ban on gallium, germanium and antimony exports to the US is due to resume Pillsbury
10 Jan 2027China's extended trade arrangements with the US run out RAWMATERIALS.net

Options for Europe

Recycling meets 28% of EU demand today, against the EU's 25% goal for 2030.
New supply on the atlas: Stibnite Gold Project (2029)