China’s restrictions on antimony exports could cripple US military-industrial complex: here’s why
The Chinese Commerce Ministry has adopted export controls on antimony metals, ores, and oxides effective September 15. The ministry said the measure was not aimed against any country, but at assuring China’s national security and fulfilling its “non-proliferation obligations.”
However, the US International Trade Commission considers antimony “critical to economic and national security – similar to rare earth elements, plus cobalt and uranium.” Forbes has described it as “the most important mineral you never heard of.”
That’s because in addition to civilian applications, antimony has a dizzying array of military uses, including:
🌏armor-piercing bullets and tracer ammo
🌏night vision goggles and laser sights
🌏communications equipment
🌏components in nuclear weapons
China has the largest reserves of the tough, heat, and corrosion-resistant material in the world, boasting 640,000 metric tons in 2023. Russia is second, with 350,000 tons, and Bolivia third, with 310,000 tons. US reserves stand only at 60,000 tons.
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