Antimony Ore from Pakistan: A Rising Star in Critical Minerals Export

What is Antimony & Why It Matters

Antimony (often found in the ore form stibnite, Sb₂S₃) is a critical mineral used in flame retardants, batteries, alloys, semiconductors, and even defense industries. It’s considered strategic globally, especially now that many leading producers (notably China) are restricting exports or tightening controls. These shifts are creating an opening for new supply sources. Reuters+2Reuters+2

Recent Developments in Pakistan

Pakistan has made important progress very recently regarding antimony:

• Large antimony reserves have been discovered in Balochistan. OGDC (Oil & Gas Development Company Limited) and PMDC (Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation) are forming a 50:50 joint venture to explore and commercialise these deposits. Arab News PK+3Profit+3The Express Tribune+3
• Two exploration blocks in Balochistan have already been identified: Killa Abdullah and Zhob. Profit+1
• Also, Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with foreign partners (including US firms) to develop critical minerals infrastructure. Antimony is explicitly included in these MoUs. Pakistan Today+1
• The government is considering refining options abroad (e.g. in Oman) while developing domestic capacity. Profit+1

Pakistan’s Current Trade Data & Market Position

Here are key statistics showing where Pakistan stands today in exporting antimony ores/concentrates:

So exports from Pakistan are growing, but still relatively small in global terms. Most of what’s exported is raw ores and concentrates, not refined or value-added. World Integrated Trade Solution+1

Global Trends & Price Movements

• China, historically the biggest producer, has imposed export bans or restrictions on antimony to many markets (including the EU and US), citing national-security and regulatory reasons. This has significantly strained global supply. Reuters+2AP News+2
• As a result, antimony prices have surged. For example, by end-2024 prices in Rotterdam for certain grades were between US$39,500–40,000 / metric ton. Reuters
• Forecasts suggest modest growth in volume demand over the next decade (CAGR ~ +0.4% for 2024-2035 for ore + concentrate), reaching ~673,000 tons by 2035 globally. However, value trends are more volatile due to price swings and regulatory effects. IndexBox

Opportunities & Challenges for Pakistan

Opportunities

1. Supplier to Fill the China-Gap
   With Chinese restrictions, buyers globally are seeking alternative suppliers. Pakistan's antimony reserve discovery gives it a “first mover” advantage.
2. Value Addition
   If Pakistan can develop refining capacity (or partnerships for refining), export of refined antimony oxides or compounds can capture higher margins.
3. Strategic & Defense Uses
   Governments needing reliable sources of critical minerals for defense, flame retardants, or electronics will look favorably on politically stable sources. Pakistan could benefit.
4. Export Partnerships & Foreign Investment
   The recent MoUs with US firms and joint ventures (OGDCL/PMDC) demonstrate readiness for investment and export scaling.

Challenges

• Infrastructure and refining capacity are underdeveloped. Exporting raw ore only gets you part way.
• Ensuring environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance (as antimony extraction and refining can involve toxic by-products).
• Global competition—other nations with antimony reserves (e.g. in Southeast Asia, Central Asia) may also move to take advantage of supply shortages.
• Price volatility and regulatory uncertainty (export bans from major producers) can make planning risky.

Strategic Steps Forward & What International Buyers Should Know

For Pakistan to reliably become a major antimony exporter, and for buyers seeking supply, the following are essential:

• Geological Surveys & Block Development: fast‐track the surveys in Killa Abdullah, Zhob, and other blocks to estimate reserves accurately. Profit+1
• Refining Strategy: domestic or regional refining agreements (e.g. Oman) can cut logistics costs and improve product value. Profit+1
• Quality Control & Certification: Meet international standards for antimony content, impurity levels (e.g. arsenic, lead), and safety/handling.
• Secure Offtake Agreements: global buyers (especially in flame retardants, battery, defense sectors) should engage now to lock supply.
• Environmental & Social Governance (ESG): Mining companies will need to adhere to ESG norms: safe disposal of antimony waste, worker safety, community relations.

Why Shah Mercantile Co. is Positioned to Lead

Shah Mercantile Co. can offer:

• Reliable supply of raw antimony ore/concentrates from Pakistan with verified origin.
• Connections to OGDC/PMDC JV blocks as operations scale.
• Advising buyers on refining partnerships (e.g. Oman or elsewhere) to get higher-grade product.
• Support on logistics, export documentation, and compliance with international trade and safety standards.

The window to engage in Pakistan’s antimony supply opportunity is now. If you're:

• An industrial buyer needing flame retardants, battery raw materials, or defense-grade antimony
• A chemical company looking to diversify sources
• An investment firm interested in critical minerals

Reach out to Shah Mercantile Co. Today. We can help you:

• Review sample ore / concentrate quality
• Discuss pricing, supply volumes, and logistics
• Explore downstream refining pathways for higher returns

Let’s turn Pakistan’s newly discovered antimony reserves into a stable, high-quality supply for your market.

References

• IndexBox global antimony market and consumption data IndexBox
• Pakistan antimony export data 2022-2023 from World Bank / WITS World Integrated Trade Solution+2World Integrated Trade Solution+2
• Recent discoveries & joint ventures: OGDC / PMDC in Balochistan The Express Tribune+3Profit+3Radio Pakistan+3
• China export controls and pricing trends Reuters+1