Antimony, gallium prices soar as China widens rare-metal export curbs

Buyers scramble to stock up on minerals amid uncertainties over tighter controls

20240829N antimony mine REU

A Chinese firm jointly runs this antimony mine in Tajikistan. China produces 48% of the rare metal globally. © Reuters

SHUGO YAMADA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Rare metals prices have jumped dramatically in the year since China instituted export restrictions on the critical resources, with the tightening controls threatening to drive prices up further.

Earlier this month, Chinese authorities said they will introduce export licenses on antimony, a mineral used mainly as a flame retardant in vehicles and electronics. The new measures will go into effect on Sept. 15.

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