The state of Alaska is emerging as a focal point for antimony (Sb) exploration, a critical mineral now in unprecedented demand across the United States.
On Wednesday, two Australian companies, Felix Gold Ltd (ASX: FXG) and Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX: NVA), announced the initiation of new exploration campaigns in the region.
Felix Gold is actively collecting essential data for an upcoming feasibility study, with aspirations to commence Sb concentrate production by year-end.
Current efforts at the Treasure Creek Antimony Project include drilling and trenching, alongside environmental studies and engineering work necessary for setting up a processing plant.
Notably, the Treasure Creek area is historically significant as it hosts one of Alaska’s most productive antimony mines, the Scrafford Mine, which operated from 1915 to 1977, yielding about 2.4 million pounds of the mineral.
During that period, antimony was valued much lower than today’s prices, which have skyrocketed by over 300 percent throughout 2024.
Currently, the price per tonne exceeds US$60,000, reflecting a substantial increase in demand.
Felix Gold’s Executive Director, Joe Webb, expressed optimism, stating, “With record antimony prices and a clear U.S. policy push for secure, domestic supply, we couldn’t be better placed.”
Meanwhile, Nova Minerals is focusing on the Sb and gold mineralization at its flagship Estelle property, specifically targeting the “Stibium” prospect area.
A recent report from RFC Ambrian highlights Estelle as one of only nine feasible near-term antimony production assets globally.
Nova’s goal includes producing an initial antimony-gold (Au) mineral resource estimate (MRE), with rock samples from the site showing impressive grades of up to 60.5 percent Sb and 141 grams per tonne Au.
In a strategic move, Nova’s CEO, Christopher Gerteisen, mentioned ongoing discussions with the Department of Defense (DoD) to secure funding aimed at fast-tracking production for national security purposes.
The DoD’s commitment to ensuring domestic antimony production is evident through its investments in the Stibnite gold-antimony project in Idaho, managed by Perpetua Resources Corp.
As a result, Alaska is becoming another state recognized for its potential in modern antimony production.
A deeper dive into Alaska’s mining history reveals its significant contributions to antimony production during World War II.
The Stampede mining operation was vital during the conflict, supplying approximately three-quarters of the United States’ Sb needs.
The mineral’s role was crucial for manufacturing flame retardant coatings on military supplies, which helped mitigate casualties among Allied forces.
However, interest in domestic production waned in the 1980s, as cheaper sources emerged from China.
Today, the Stampede site remains situated within the boundaries of Denali National Park, diminishing the likelihood of a production resurgence due to environmental concerns.
Additionally, Nevada has become a notable area for antimony production, with companies such as NevGoldCorp and Xtra Energy Ord Shs developing promising Sb assets in the state.
As the U.S. seeks to secure its critical mineral supplies, Alaska and other states are stepping forward to meet growing demands for antimony and other essential resources.
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