Korea Zinc is pushing for the export of antimony, which is regarded as a strategic critical mineral, to the United States.
Antimony is one of the 28 critical minerals defined by the Special Law on National Resource Security, and it is widely used in lead-acid batteries, cable insulation, and semiconductors. It is particularly utilized as a raw material for weapons manufacturing, making it a strategic mineral managed by major countries such as South Korea, the United States, China, and the European Union (EU).
According to industry sources on the 15th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is discussing plans to export antimony to the United States in cooperation with Korea Zinc. Korea Zinc plans to start with an export of 350 tons (t), which is about 10% of its annual production, and gradually increase the scale each year.
Korea Zinc produces about 3,500 tons of antimony each year by dissolving lead ore in sulfuric acid and conducting electrolysis. Of this, 70% is for domestic use, while the remaining 30% has been exported to Europe, Japan, and other regions.
Antimony supply shortages have intensified globally since China, the world's largest producer, began export controls last year. Notably, the United States heavily depends on China, as it imported 62% of its antimony (about 14,000 tons) from China last year.