Iran’s state-owned metals and mining company, IMIDRO, has announced the discovery of antimony, a rare metalloid with critical applications in technology and military industries, across multiple locations in the country. According to a report cited by Fars News Agency on Wednesday, the company invested a decade in exploration projects, uncovering approximately 7,000 metric tons (mt) of antimony reserves in eight regions.
The largest deposit was identified in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, which is estimated to contribute 10% of the global supply of antimony. This discovery comes at a time when global demand for antimony is surging, driven by its growing use in solar panel manufacturing and the production of sensitive military equipment.
Antimony is primarily used in flame retardants, but it also has traditional applications in medicine and cosmetics. The metalloid’s price has been rising worldwide due to export restrictions in China, which dominates nearly half of global antimony mining and processing.
This discovery aligns with Iran’s broader strategy to diversify its economy away from crude oil exportsby expanding its mining sector. Earlier this year, IMIDRO also revealed the discovery of Iran’s first lithium ore deposit, with plans to commence mining operations by 2025.
