Metalloid, group 15
What is antimony? Properties, uses, supply and price
Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid (atomic number 51) mined mostly in China, Russia and Tajikistan and used in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries and ammunition. The US imports 91% of what it uses.
Facts from USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 · reviewed 28 October 2026
Antimony key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol, atomic number | Sb, 51 |
| Group | Metalloid, group 15 |
| World mine production, 2025 | 110,000 t |
| Top three producers | China, Russia, Tajikistan (85%) |
| US net import reliance, 2025 | 91% |
| US end uses | Flame retardants 49%, lead and ammunition 40% |
Where antimony comes from
Mined as stibnite, and recovered from scrap
World reserves exceed 2 million tonnes of contained antimony, with China (830,000 t), Russia (350,000 t), Bolivia (310,000 t) and Kyrgyzstan (260,000 t) the largest. US resources are mainly in Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Nevada. Secondary antimony from lead-acid battery scrap supplied 12% of US apparent consumption.
New US mines
One company began mining antimony in Montana in 2025, and an Idaho project broke ground in October 2025 with $80 million of conditional Department of War funding (USGS).
What antimony is used for
| End use | Weight | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Flame retardants | 49% of US use | Antimony oxide as synergist in plastics and textiles |
| Antimonial lead and ammunition | 40% | Lead-acid batteries, military ammunition |
| Ceramics, glass, rubber | 11% | Nonmetal products |
Substitutes and recycling
Substitutes
Organic compounds and hydrated aluminium oxide replace antimony as flame retardants; chromium, tin, titanium, zinc and zirconium compounds replace it in pigments and enamels; calcium, copper, selenium, sulfur and tin combinations replace it in battery alloys (USGS).
Recycling
Most secondary antimony is recovered as antimonial lead at secondary lead smelters and goes back into lead-acid batteries.
Policy and supply security
Chinese controls
China restricted antimony exports in August 2024 (effective 15 September) and banned them to the US in December 2024. The ban is suspended until 27 November 2026; licences apply to all destinations.
Dated events and export-control steps are on the China export-control timeline. Listed companies with exposure: Antimony stocks.
Antimony: frequently asked questions
What is antimony used for?
Flame retardants (49% of US use), antimonial lead for batteries and ammunition (40%), and ceramics, glass and rubber chemicals (11%).
Who produces the most antimony?
China (40,000 t), Russia (32,000 t) and Tajikistan (22,000 t) produced 85% of the 110,000 t world total in 2025.
How much does antimony cost?
The reference price is $36.18 per kg as of 27 October 2026, −34.24% year to date.
Related elements
Sources
Information only, not investment advice. Reviewed 28 October 2026.