Mining & Processing

How Antimony Is Mined and Processed

Antimony (Sb) is a specialty metal with global annual production of approximately 83,000 tonnes, primarily from China and Tajikistan. Typical ore grades range from 1-5% Sb.

Mining Methods

Antimony is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Underground mining
• Open-pit mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Antimony include:

• Stibnite - Sb2S3
• Valentinite
• Kermesite

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Antimony ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Pyrometallurgical smelting
2. Hydrometallurgical leaching
3. Liquation

Major Mines and Production Centers

The following are key Antimony mining and processing operations worldwide:

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Antimony must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 48% of global production is concentrated.