Massive Antimony Discovery in Pakistan: Pakistan has reportedly discovered a significant antimony deposit in Balochistan.
What is Antimony: A metalloid element (symbol Sb, atomic number 51) that is solid at room temperature with poor electrical and heat conductivity.
Forms of Antimony: Typically found as ingots, broken pieces, granular, or cast cakes.
Occurrence: Found in volcanic rock deposits and deep-seated veins. The primary ore is stibnite. Often obtained as a byproduct of lead-zinc-silver mining.
Major Producer: China is the dominant producer, accounting for 88% of global output. Other producers include Bolivia, Russia, and Tajikistan.
Alloys: Hardening and strengthening lead (batteries, type metal, bullets, cable sheathing).
Compounds: Flame retardants, paints, enamels, glass, and pottery.
Why it matters: The discovery in Pakistan could have economic implications for the region. Antimony’s diverse applications across industries make it a strategically important resource. Its use as an alloy to harden lead makes it crucial for industries such as manufacturing batteries for electric cars.
