In News:

In a recent geopolitical development, Pakistan has reportedly discovered a significant deposit of Antimony in the Balochistan region — an area marred by conflict and instability. This finding holds both economic and strategic significance, given the growing global demand for rare and critical minerals.

About Antimony

• Chemical Element: Antimony (Symbol: Sb, Atomic Number: 51) is a metalloid, meaning it exhibits properties of both metals and non-metals.
• Physical Properties:
  • Solid at room temperature.
  • Poor conductor of heat and electricity.
  • Found in commercial forms such as ingots, broken pieces, granules, and cast cakes.

Geological Occurrence

• Primary Ore: The chief ore of Antimony is Stibnite (Sb?S?).
• Mode of Occurrence: Found in volcanic-associated deposits and deep-seated veins, formed under moderate to high temperature and pressure.
• Also commonly obtained as a byproduct from lead-zinc-silver mining operations.

Global Production Landscape

• China is the dominant global producer, accounting for over 88% of world production.
• Other notable producers include Russia, Bolivia, and Tajikistan.
• India currently does not have significant reserves or production of Antimony, making it dependent on imports for industrial use.

Key Industrial and Strategic Uses

• Electronics Industry:Used in manufacturing semiconductors, infrared detectors, and diodes.
• Alloys:
  • Alloyed with lead and other metals to increase hardness and strength.
  • Lead-antimony alloys are extensively used in lead-acid batteries.
• Defense and Printing:Utilized in the production of bullets, type metal for printing, and cable sheathing.
• Flame-Retardants and Ceramics:Antimony compounds are key ingredients in flame-retardant materials, as well as in paints, enamels, glass, and pottery.