Morocco's Strategic Move in the Antimony Market
In an increasingly resource-hungry world, the quest for critical minerals is becoming more pronounced, particularly in Africa, where mining projects are rapidly expanding. Among these developments is the lesser-known yet vital metal, antimony. Recently, Xtract Resources, a junior mining company listed on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange, announced on June 2nd that it has secured a mining permit for its Amghas antimony project from the Moroccan government. This milestone paves the way for the launch of production from this asset, which is set to become one of the few known suppliers of this critical metal from the Sherifian Kingdom, a market historically dominated by China.
Antimony's Global Landscape and Morocco's Position
Antimony is a metalloid utilized across various sectors, including fire safety, energy storage, electronics, and defense. The United States considers it a critical material, with China being the predominant producer, supplying approximately 40,000 tons of concentrate out of a global total of 110,000 tons in 2025, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Following China, Russia ranks second, with Tajikistan and Bolivia also being significant suppliers. Despite Morocco's historical artisanal production, it has not been recognized as a major player in the antimony market until now. The Amghas project could change this narrative, offering a glimpse into a sector that also includes the Casablanca project, a less advanced antimony asset backed by Australian firm Zeus Resources. The permit obtained by Xtract is renewable over a ten-year period, and the company is already targeting its first production of antimony concentrate by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The strategic plan involves setting up a processing facility capable of handling 70,000 tons of ore annually, contingent upon acquiring a processing permit. However, several uncertainties remain. Although Xtract claims to have conducted a feasibility study, it has not disclosed detailed resource estimates for the project or specific information regarding the required investments. Colin Bird, Executive Chairman of Xtract Resources, stated, "The granting of the mining permit for Amghas and the swift establishment of processing infrastructure marks a significant step for Xtract in Morocco. With the completion of rehabilitation works, a promising resource assessment, and a gravity processing plant with a capacity of 70,000 tons per year nearing operational status, we are confident that this project is on track for rapid production of antimony concentrate."
Looking ahead, the clarification of uncertainties surrounding the project will be crucial in assessing its potential. Xtract is already planning a second phase of development, which includes constructing a larger capacity plant intended to process not only the ore from Amghas but also that from local artisanal mines. The company will also need to secure commercial outlets for its future production. The relatively diverse antimony market, with secondary producers like Turkey, Vietnam, and Mexico alongside dominant players, complicates this endeavor, as buyers have a broad array of supply options without reliance on a single source. Moreover, Morocco is not the only country in Africa with antimony potential, as South Africa is also recognized for its resources.
As reported by agenceecofin.com.
