Overview

Industrial Significance

Antimony concentrates, primarily sourced from Stibnite (Sb₂S₃), are vital components in various industrial applications, including flame retardants, battery manufacturing, and alloy production. At United Metals, we integrate advanced beneficiation techniques with comprehensive geological survey data to enhance efficiency, optimize recovery rates, and ensure sustainable production methods.

We specialize in processing Antimony sulphide ore with an average grade of 25% Sb and refining it into high-grade antimony concentrate with a consistent antimony content of 45%. Our advanced beneficiation techniques ensure maximum recovery and purity, making our product highly sought-after in international markets.

Antimony is increasingly recognized for its critical role in modern manufacturing — from electronics and automotive sectors to emerging energy storage applications.

Stibnite Sb₂S₃ — Primary antimony sulfide mineral
Valentinite Sb₂O₃ — Natural antimony oxide
Senarmontite Sb₂O₃ — Cubic crystal form
Methodology

Production Process

The beneficiation of Antimony concentrates involves a series of well-defined stages, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques informed by geological survey data to extract maximum value from Stibnite ore.

01
Mining & Material Handling
Selective mining techniques based on geological survey data target high-grade Stibnite deposits, ensuring optimal resource utilization while minimizing waste. Strict safety protocols protect workforce and environment.
02
Crushing & Grinding
Physical separation of Antimony minerals begins with crushing and grinding the ore to liberate Stibnite from gangue materials, achieving the optimal particle size for downstream processing.
03
Flotation
Flotation is the primary separation method. Our approach includes reagent optimization using lead salts, copper salts, butyl xanthate, shale oil and pine oil, combined with precise air flow management for maximum recovery.
04
Thickening & Filtering
Post-flotation, concentrates undergo thickening and filtering to reach the required moisture specification of ≤8%, readying the product for packaging in 1 MT jumbo bags for export.
Quality Assurance

Commitment to Quality

Rigorous testing and analysis at every production stage ensures our Antimony concentrates consistently meet or exceed international industry requirements.

Antimony Content
40–50%
High-grade Sb in final concentrate
Granulometry
80%
Passing 200 mesh / 75 microns
Moisture Content
≤ 8%
By weight at point of export
Energy Intensity
20 kWh
Per ton of ore processed
Technical Parameters

Grade Influencing Factors

Multiple parameters are carefully controlled throughout processing to achieve optimal antimony grade and recovery rates.

01 Mineral Type +
The types of antimony-containing minerals present — principally stibnite — directly influence how well antimony is recovered during flotation and separation stages.
02 Particle Size Distribution +
Targeting the right particle size is critical. Finer particles liberate antimony more effectively, but excessively fine grinding creates processing challenges in downstream flotation.
03 pH Level Control +
A slightly alkaline pH of approximately 9 is maintained throughout flotation. This environment consistently delivers optimal antimony recovery and selectivity.
04 Reagent Selection +
Precise selection of flotation reagents — collectors, frothers, activators such as copper sulfate or lead nitrate — at correct dosages is critical for effective antimony flotation.
05 Two-Stage Flotation +
A two-stage flotation process improves both recovery and grade. Stage one floats antimony sulfides; stage two processes tailings to recover antimony oxides, maximizing overall yield.
06 Gravity Separation +
Gravity separation techniques pre-concentrate the ore ahead of flotation, improving overall concentrate grade and reducing reagent consumption downstream.
Market Intelligence

Market Insight

Antimony demand is accelerating driven by critical applications in energy storage, flame retardants, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Global Market 2024
$2.3B
Current global antimony market valuation, expected to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2033.
Industry Research · 2024
CAGR Forecast
6.7%
Projected compound annual growth rate for the period 2022–2029, reaching USD 3,698M by 2029.
Market Forecast · 2022–2029
Spot Price · Feb 2025
$40K+
Antimony prices surpassed $40,000 per metric ton in February 2025, continuing the late-2024 upward trend.
Fastmarkets · Feb 2025
FOB Price · SMM
$25K
Antimony Ingot 99.65% FOB price at USD 25,450/mt per Shanghai Metal Market data.
SMM · Current
ESG & Compliance

Sustainable Practices

United Metals is dedicated to environmental stewardship and responsible mining, adhering to globally recognized standards including ISO 14001 environmental management certification.

ISO 14001
Certified environmental management across all operations
Mercury Capture
Advanced systems capture and safely store impurity elements
Rehabilitation
Active programs for restoration of all mined areas
VFD Systems
Variable frequency drives minimize crusher energy consumption
Real-Time Analytics
Data-driven blasting patterns reduce grinding requirements
Waste Management
Zero-residue commitment with advanced containment protocols
Regional Operations

Zimbabwe Supply Base

Zimbabwe's promising deposits of antimony ore, particularly stibnite, position the nation as a rising source for antimony concentrates. The development of efficient, localized production methods optimizes regional resource utilization to produce high-quality antimony concentrates used across multiple industries.

Current research focuses on antimony ingot production from domestic sources — a process that underscores the area's significant metal resource potential and highlights Zimbabwe's emerging role on the global antimony ore market.