Perpetua Resources Advances Plans for US Antimony Supply Chain Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Perpetua Resources

Perpetua Resources is forging partnerships and conducting feasibility testing to establish a domestic antimony supply chain in the US, as China's export suspension amplifies the need for local sourcing.

Developing a US-Based Antimony Supply Chain

Idaho-based Perpetua Resources is taking significant steps to establish a domestic antimony supply chain by partnering with Sunshine Silver Mining and Refining and conducting metallurgical testing with US Antimony (USAC). The move comes at a critical time as the US grapples with the implications of China’s suspension of antimony exports, which began on December 3, 2024.

Antimony, a critical mineral essential for flame retardants, batteries, and defense applications, has seen rising demand amidst global supply chain vulnerabilities. Perpetua’s efforts are centered on its Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho, the only domestic reserve of antimony in the US, containing an estimated 148 million pounds (67,130 tonnes). During its first six years of operation, the project is expected to meet approximately 35% of US antimony demand.

Testing Partnerships for Processing Feasibility

To advance its vision, Perpetua has initiated:

• Feasibility testing with Sunshine Silver Mining and Refining at the Sunshine Mine Complex, also located in Idaho. Third-party engineers are developing a flowsheet to optimize the processing and refining of antimony from various ore types.

• Metallurgical testing with Montana-based USAC, where Perpetua is providing antimony concentrate samples from Stibnite to determine the specifications needed for commercially viable antimony products.

These partnerships are key to ensuring that the Stibnite Gold Project can support a fully domestic supply chain for antimony, reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Geopolitical Drivers and Market Implications

The urgency for a domestic supply chain has intensified following China’s decision to halt antimony exports to the US. Between January 2022 and October 2024, the US imported:

• 15,665 tonnes of antimony metal from China, representing 22% of total imports.

• 55,506 tonnes of antimony trioxide, accounting for 69% of total imports.

China's export suspension highlights the strategic importance of Perpetua’s efforts, as the US seeks to secure access to critical materials amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Conclusion

Perpetua Resources’ initiatives, supported by partnerships with Sunshine Silver and USAC, position the company as a cornerstone of America’s critical mineral strategy. With the Stibnite Gold Project poised to reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign antimony, Perpetua is aligning itself with the growing demand for supply chain security in the face of global uncertainties.