The United States is grappling with a severe shortage of antimony, a critical metal vital for military equipment and national security. This shortage has become increasingly urgent as China, which controls nearly 50% of global antimony supply, recently halted exports to the U.S. Antimony is an essential component in various military applications, including communication equipment, night vision goggles, explosives, ammunition, nuclear weapons, and more. The U.S. Army's need for antimony has become particularly pressing as it aims to ramp up production of artillery shells amid growing global tensions.
In response to this crisis, Military Metals Corp. (CSE:MILI; OTCQB:MILIF) has emerged as a potential solution. The company has recently acquired key antimony properties in Europe and North America, positioning itself to potentially become a significant supplier to Western nations. One of Military Metals Corp.'s major acquisitions is the Trojarova Antimony Project in Slovakia, which boasts a historical resource of over 61,998 tons of antimony. This project could potentially turn Slovakia into a European critical minerals hub. Additionally, the company has acquired the West Gore Antimony Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, a former major supplier to Allied Forces in World War I.
The importance of securing new antimony sources cannot be overstated. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has warned that China and Russia are seeking to dismantle the Western world, and some experts believe that World War III has already begun. In this context, access to critical metals like antimony could determine superpower status and global dominance. The antimony market has seen unprecedented price increases, with rates more than tripling from $12,000 per ton to over $38,000 since earlier this year. This price surge reflects the growing demand and limited supply of this crucial metal.
Other companies in the sector are also making moves to address the antimony shortage. Perpetua Resources Corp (NASDAQ:PPTA) is developing the Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho, which could become a major domestic source of antimony for the U.S. The project has received significant federal support, including a $1.86 billion loan guarantee interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. As the U.S. and its allies scramble to secure new antimony supplies, the actions of companies like Military Metals Corp. and Perpetua Resources could play a crucial role in maintaining Western military capabilities and technological edge. The outcome of this race for critical metals may have far-reaching implications for global security and geopolitical balance in the years to come.
