 |
| US Antimony feedstock |
US Antimony feedstock sourcing broadened across the US and overseas to stabilize operations. The company moved to secure inputs for its Montana and Mexico smelters. As a result, it advanced domestic mining claims and lined up new international suppliers. However, it also flagged issues with Australian material quality and logistics.
Domestic expansion: Alaska and Montana
US Antimony feedstock sourcing grew with new Alaska claims, including a 150-acre site near Fairbanks. The firm expects faster permitting since the land is neither federal nor state. Meanwhile, reacquired claims beside its Montana smelter should deliver stibnite within months. Therefore, domestic ore should lower supply risk and trucking distances.
International diversification: Bolivia and Chad
Bolivia will supply up to 150 t/month of antimony flake starting in early 2026. A 10 t pilot shipment arrives at the Montana smelter in August. Additionally, two sources in Chad will feed the Madero smelter, starting with 80 t. Subsequent deliveries should reach 100 t/month to support steady throughput. Canada also lifted feedstock to 857 t year-to-date, up 121 percent.
Australian sourcing faces setbacks following a 50 t shipment held 82 days by Chinese customs. Concurrently, incoming ore showed elevated arsenic and iron, pressuring processing costs. However, broader sourcing and scrap blending can offset penalties and maintain recoveries. Therefore, the portfolio approach underpins more reliable antimony supply for strategic markets.
The Metalnomist Commentary
Diversification is the right hedge as geopolitics and impurities raise feedstock risk. Watch ramp discipline in Bolivia and Chad and impurity management in Montana. If logistics hold, US Antimony can claw back margin despite uneven market conditions.
We publish to analyze metals and the economy to ensure our progress and success in fierce competition.
No comments
Post a Comment