In a move that has raised eyebrows and fueled geopolitical tensions, China’s Commerce Ministry has announced it will impose strict export controls on antimony, a mineral crucial for a wide range of industries and technologies. Starting September 15, anyone wishing to export antimony in any form will be required to secure a license from the Chinese government. This measure, the ministry stated, is designed to safeguard China’s national security and interests, as well as to fulfill its international non-proliferation obligations.
The ministry’s brief statement alluded to concerns about potential misuse of antimony, indicating that exports for purposes deemed detrimental to China’s security and development interests will be prohibited. While the specifics of these activities were not disclosed, the mention of ‘non-proliferation’ suggests that weapons-related applications could be targeted. The export restrictions extend beyond the mineral itself, encompassing smelting and separation technologies, machinery, and other items associated with what the ministry refers to as ‘super-hard materials’.
This action follows China’s imposition of export curbs last year on gallium and germanium, two metals vital for computer chips and solar cells. The government cited similar reasons for these restrictions: safeguarding national security. These moves come amidst escalating tensions with the United States, which has implemented restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors and other critical technologies, citing security concerns.
Antimony, a strategically important mineral, is widely used in various applications, including flame retardants, batteries, night-vision goggles, and even nuclear weapons production. China is a significant producer of antimony, and its decision to restrict exports has sparked concerns among policymakers in the US about excessive dependence on China as a source for this crucial mineral. The implications of this move remain to be seen, but it is likely to further strain already fragile relations between the two superpowers.
