As U.S. Seeks Alternatives to China, Alaska’s Antimony Reserves Could Be Key for Defense and Green Tech
Alaska could soon become a pivotal player in the race to secure the U.S.’s supply of antimony, a little-known but vital mineral used in weapons manufacturing, solar panels, and a range of other critical technologies. As geopolitical tensions with China intensify, U.S. officials are looking to domestic sources, and Alaska’s untapped deposits may just be the key to securing a stable, local supply.
Despite its strategic importance, the U.S. currently imports almost all of its antimony from China, the world’s primary producer. However, recent moves by China to limit antimony exports due to national security concerns have spurred a fresh interest in tapping into the mineral reserves that lie beneath Alaska’s rugged terrain. Now, with defense dollars on the table, companies are eyeing the state’s potential to help fill the gap.
Antimony’s Role in Modern Warfare and Green Tech
You might not have heard much about antimony, but it’s crucial in a lot of products that power both our military and green technologies. Most notably, it strengthens lead for use in ammunition and is a key component in flame retardants, including those used in military equipment. Antimony also plays a role in the production of solar panels, batteries, and smartphones, making it indispensable for a modern economy focused on both defense and renewable energy.
As the U.S. has ramped up defense spending and focused on renewable energy goals, the demand for antimony has skyrocketed. The mineral’s price hit record highs this fall, a clear signal of both the increasing demand and tightening supply.
To make matters more urgent, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. supply of antimony between 2019 and 2022 came from China, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. China’s recent restrictions on antimony exports have made it clear that the U.S. needs a reliable domestic source.
The Push for Alaska’s Antimony Resources
Alaska’s antimony reserves could offer a lifeline to the U.S. The state is already a known supplier of critical minerals, with deposits of 49 of the 50 minerals considered essential to national security by the U.S. Geological Survey. These include materials like copper, silver, and zinc, but the state is now setting its sights on the elusive antimony.
Two Australian companies, Felix Gold and Nova Minerals, are at the forefront of this new push into Alaska. Felix Gold, which is primarily a gold mining operation, has pivoted to antimony after discovering significant deposits at its Treasure Creek site near Fairbanks. According to company executive Joseph Webb, the new focus on antimony is not just an economic opportunity—it’s a matter of national security.
“Antimony is a special beast,” Webb said. “It’s national security. It’s a strategic metal for the United States.”
As the Pentagon looks to bolster the U.S. supply of critical minerals, Felix Gold has applied for federal support, with hopes to begin commercial antimony production by next year.
Nova Minerals, another Australian company exploring gold in the state, has also discovered antimony at a site across Cook Inlet from Anchorage. The company is now considering both extracting and refining the mineral in Alaska to meet the growing demand.
Roadblocks to Profitable Mining in Alaska
While the demand for antimony is high, mining it in Alaska comes with challenges. The state’s deposits are often in remote locations, making extraction expensive and logistically complicated. Alaska’s harsh climate and lack of infrastructure further complicate any mining operations.
State geologist Dave Szumigala points out that despite the numerous antimony prospects across Alaska, it remains unclear whether these deposits are sufficient to support modern commercial mining. The state’s rough terrain, combined with the need for substantial infrastructure investment, means that near-term production is unlikely.
In some areas, such as the historic Scrafford Mine near Fairbanks, there are substantial known reserves. However, the cost of developing these sites and building the necessary infrastructure could prevent rapid commercial mining.
Despite these obstacles, companies like Felix Gold and U.S. Antimony are pushing ahead. U.S. Antimony has staked claims near Tok, Alaska, where a World War I-era mine once produced antimony. Their Montana refinery, which is running at half capacity, could easily absorb more material from these potential Alaska mines, according to co-CEO Gary Evans.
Federal Investment and the Military’s Role
As global competition for critical minerals heats up, the U.S. government has stepped in with funding to ensure the country’s future mineral needs are met. The Department of Defense has already invested millions into securing U.S. supplies of other critical materials like graphite, which is used in electric vehicle batteries.
If awarded the necessary funding, companies like Felix Gold and Nova Minerals could be the next recipients of federal support aimed at boosting domestic mineral production. This would mark a significant step in reducing the U.S.’s reliance on China for key materials like antimony.
In 2023, the Pentagon awarded $37.5 million to a Canadian company, Graphite One, to develop the largest known deposit of graphite in the U.S. on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska. Similar investments could help jumpstart antimony production in the state.
The Long-Term Vision for Alaska’s Mining Industry
While Alaska’s antimony mining efforts are still in their infancy, there’s a growing recognition of the state’s potential to be a key player in the U.S. mineral supply chain. The economic and geopolitical landscape is shifting, and as the demand for critical minerals increases, Alaska’s role could become even more crucial.
The state’s geology and its historical production of materials like antimony during wartime make it an attractive option for mining companies. However, whether these resources can be extracted profitably remains to be seen.
For now, companies are pushing forward, hoping that government investment and rising mineral prices will make Alaska a critical supplier of antimony and other vital minerals in the near future.
Comments