Antimony's Strategic Value and Felix Gold's US Discovery: A Critical Mineral Play in a Geopolitical Crossfire

In 2025, antimony has emerged as a linchpin in the global race for critical mineral security, driven by its indispensable role in defense systems, energy infrastructure, and industrial applications. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions intensify, the United States faces a stark reality: it imports 85% to 90% of its antimony needs, according to the Felix Gold report, with China controlling nearly half of global production according to a US supply-chain report. The 2024 Chinese export restrictions and environmental crackdowns have pushed antimony prices to record highs of $51,500 per tonne, according to Metal Tech News, exposing vulnerabilities in a supply chain long dominated by foreign adversaries.

The Geopolitical Imperative for Supply Chain Diversification

The U.S. Department of Defense has sounded the alarm, labeling antimony a "critical mineral" essential for ammunition hardening, night vision goggles, and nuclear weapons, according to the Felix Gold report. With China, Russia, and Tajikistan collectively controlling over 90% of global antimony production, the US supply-chain report emphasizes that the urgency to secure domestic sources has never been greater. The Biden administration's recent $245 million contract with United States Antimony Corporation (UAMY) to stockpile antimony in the National Defense Stockpile-reported by Metal Tech News-underscores this priority. Meanwhile, the Defense Production Act has allocated $43.4 million to Alaska Range Resources to establish a vertically integrated antimony production hub, the US supply-chain report notes, signaling a coordinated push to insulate the U.S. from foreign supply shocks.

Felix Gold's Treasure Creek: A Game-Changer for U.S. Antimony Independence

At the forefront of this effort is Felix Gold, whose Treasure Creek project in Alaska has rekindled hopes for a domestic antimony renaissance. The project, which supplied antimony during both World Wars, has delivered staggering drill intercepts, including 3 meters at 50.26% antimony, according to the Felix Gold report, making it one of the highest-grade deposits in the world. With production targeted by late 2025 or early 2026 (Metal Tech News reported the timeline), Treasure Creek could supply a significant portion of U.S. demand, reducing reliance on China and other volatile suppliers.

The strategic value of Treasure Creek extends beyond its grade. Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, have visited the site, as reported by MarketScreener, to expedite infrastructure development. Felix Gold is also exploring a U.S.-based smelter to refine the ore, ensuring a closed-loop supply chain, the Felix Gold report adds. This vertical integration aligns with the Pentagon's goal of minimizing bottlenecks in defense-critical mineral processing, the US supply-chain report observes.

Investment Implications in a High-Stakes Market

For investors, the antimony sector presents a compelling intersection of geopolitical necessity and market fundamentals. Felix Gold's Treasure Creek project is uniquely positioned to capitalize on soaring prices and U.S. government support. The company's proximity to existing infrastructure in Alaska and its collaboration with federal agencies (MarketScreener coverage) suggest a path to rapid production, potentially making it the first domestic antimony producer in decades, the US supply-chain report projects.

Meanwhile, UAMY and Perpetua Resources are also advancing projects to meet the 35% of U.S. demand projected to be fulfilled by domestic sources within six years, according to the Felix Gold report. However, Felix Gold's combination of high-grade deposits, strategic location, and government backing positions it as a standout player in a market where supply constraints are expected to persist for years.

Conclusion: A Critical Mineral in a Critical Moment

As the U.S. scrambles to diversify its antimony supply chain, Felix Gold's Treasure Creek project represents more than a mining venture-it is a cornerstone of national security. With geopolitical tensions and energy transition demands driving demand, antimony's strategic value is set to soar. For investors, the race to secure this critical mineral offers a rare opportunity to align with both market forces and geopolitical imperatives.