Trigg Minerals (ASX:TMG) has engaged technology services provider Metso (HEL:METSO) to develop a scalable solution for processing antimony sulphide concentrates using the Ausmelt Top Submerged Lance (TSL) smelting technology.
Ausmelt TSL technology is recognised for its environmentally responsible design, delivering lower greenhouse gas emissions, minimal dust generation, and efficient off-gas capture compared to conventional smelting methods.
Metso will deliver a conceptual study for processing the concentrate from Trigg’s Antimony Canyon Project in Utah. The study will assess a smelter flowsheet concept aligned to produce between 3,000 to 5,000 tonnes per year of 99.65% purity antimony ingot.
The study will examine a pyrometallurgical flowsheet via three stages, with the first stage comprising primary smelting of antimony sulphide concentrates to generate high-grade antimony oxide fume.
As part of the second stage, the study comprises treatment of oxide fume to produce crude antimony, while the third stage comprises refining of the metal to assess the potential to produce refined antimony metal to a target purity of 99.65%.
Trigg, which has a market capitalisation of $92.72 million, views the collaboration with Metso as a cornerstone of its strategy to deliver antimony products to market with reduced environmental impact, while leveraging proven, commercially mature technologies with a global operating track record.
Managing Director Andre Booyzen says this proposal marks a critical step forward in the strategy to establish a reliable, Western processing pathway for antimony.
“Metso’s Ausmelt technology offers a proven mature, modern, scalable platform to assess the potential for producing high-purity antimony with reduced environmental impact within tier one jurisdictions,” Booyzen says.
The Antimony Canyon Project comprises 49 unpatented lode mining claims and further strengthens Trigg’s position in the US critical minerals sector at a time when the nation has no domestic antimony production and is entirely reliant on imports.
In 2024, the US imported $95.2 million worth of antimony, being the 865th most imported product out of 1,227 in the country. The main origins of the US’ antimony imports were Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, and the UK, as reported by the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China is the leading exporter of antimony, accounting for roughly 63% of the US’ imports.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Trigg Minerals
