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Antimony, Lengshuijiang, Hunan
Lengshuijiang, China27.69°N 111.43°E
computed criticality18/100
reading
price ×3 in 2024 (≈$13,000 → ≈$40,000/t); Chinese exports −97%
2024Fault line
Export licences imposed in August 2024, then a total ban to the United States in December 2024: Chinese exports collapsed by about 97% and prices tripled in a year. China dominates world refining even as its share of mining declines. Antimony is critical for munitions, flame retardants and semiconductors.
↗Tightening2030
In 2025 China accounts for ≈36% of world antimony mine production (40,000 t of 110,000 t, revised down by USGS) but dominates refining — Lengshuijiang the 'antimony capital'; export licensing (Aug. 2024) then the US ban (Dec. 2024) cut exports by roughly 97% and tripled prices.USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries, 2026 ↗
Actors
Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star (Lengshuijiang)
Perpetua Resources, Stibnite project (Idaho)
Feeds 1
Lockheed Martin F-35, Fort WorthRare Earths↗Shocks endured
China bans antimony to the United StatesDec 3, 2024 · epicentre↗Sources