“Mining alone does not create supply chain security: it is the smelting, refining and conversion into critical metals that ensures Australia can play a strategic role for itself and its allies.
“Antimony metal is essential for modern societies, and global customers increasingly seek secure supply from trusted sources. Nyrstar at Port Pirie is responding to the challenge, demonstrating that mine-to-metals capability in Australia is possible, and with the support of government can be delivered at speed and scale.”
The accelerated scaling of Nyrstar’s production was facilitated by the construction of pilot and demonstration plants, supported by both the Australian and South Australian governments. This collaborative approach has enabled mining projects like Hillgrove, operated by Larvotto Resources, and Costerfield to be positioned as sovereign assets rather than purely commercial operations.
Strategic applications in defence
Antimony is often characterised as an overlooked critical mineral, yet it could represent a single point of failure for contemporary military systems. Its properties are essential across three key defence applications.
In munitions, it functions as the primary hardening agent for lead in bullets and armour-piercing rounds. Without it, conventional ammunition could lack the structural integrity necessary for high-velocity impact.
The metal also serves as a component in infrared sensors, night-vision goggles and laser-guided triggers. Additionally, antimony trioxide is used as a mandatory additive for fire-resistant coatings on naval vessels, aircraft and military uniforms.
In response to these strategic needs, the United States Defense Logistics Agency issued tenders in February 2026 to replenish the US National Defense Stockpile. Under the US-Australia Critical Minerals Framework, Australian antimony is being prioritised for these reserves.
In Australia, the federal government’s US$1.2bn Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve aims to ensure that domestic defence contractors, such as Thales Australia, maintain priority access to domestically processed antimony.