Canada’s Only Antimony Mine Remains Idle Amid Rising Strategic Demand

Beaver Brook Mine Stays Idle Despite Strategic Antimony Demand

Canada’s only primary antimony mine, Beaver Brook in Newfoundland and Labrador, has remained inactive despite rising demand. The mine is owned by China Minmetals, a state-owned Chinese mining group, and has been under its control for 15 years.

Antimony is a critical mineral with applications in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, semiconductors, and defense technologies such as ammunition and night-vision equipment. At full capacity, Beaver Brook could produce approximately 6,000 tonnes annually, around 5% of global supply.

Operations first began in 2012 but halted amid weak market conditions. The mine briefly restarted in 2019, only to shut again in 2023, highlighting ongoing market and geopolitical challenges.

Chinese Export Controls Amplify Global Antimony Supply Risks

China dominates the global antimony supply chain, controlling mining, refining, and processing capacity. In 2024, Beijing restricted exports, sending Western prices from $13,500 per tonne to nearly $60,000 per tonne by mid-2025.

Analysts from BMO Capital Markets note that the export restrictions exposed the West’s vulnerability to supply concentration. The dormant Beaver Brook mine illustrates the strategic leverage held by Chinese ownership.

Industry observers, including Anthony Vaccaro of The Northern Miner, suggest Beijing could manipulate market supply by keeping Beaver Brook on care and maintenance, potentially influencing global antimony prices.

Western Efforts to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains

Rising demand for antimony is driven by defense, electronics, and energy infrastructure projects in North America and Europe. Governments are funding domestic production initiatives to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.

Companies such as United States Antimony and Perpetua Resources are expanding processing and mining capacity in the US and Mexico. These projects aim to restore secure Western supply of antimony and other strategic metals.

While artisanal mining in Myanmar has eased some shortages, antimony remains difficult to substitute in military and industrial applications. Supply concentration in China, Russia, and Tajikistan continues to pose risks for Western security.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Beaver Brook’s idle status underscores the West’s strategic vulnerability in critical minerals. With Chinese dominance and export controls, global antimony supply remains fragile. Expanding domestic mines and diversifying sources are crucial, but timelines are long. Policymakers must balance investment incentives and geopolitical risks to secure resilient supply chains for essential metals like antimony.