Trigg Minerals (ASX:TMG) targets antimony independence with Metso Ausmelt smelter study

In a strategic move to cement its role as a Western supplier of critical minerals, Trigg Minerals (ASX:TMG) has engaged global refining technology leader Metso to deliver a conceptual study for downstream antimony processing at its Antimony Canyon Project in Nevada.

The study, a Front-End Loading Level 1 (FEL1) analysis, will evaluate a scalable smelter flowsheet using Metso’s proprietary Ausmelt Top Submerged Lance (TSL) smelting technology to produce between 3,000 and 5,000 tonnes of high-purity (99.65%) antimony ingot annually.

The move positions Trigg Minerals at the forefront of efforts to secure a reliable, environmentally responsible Western supply chain for antimony a critical mineral facing growing global supply risk due to its domination by Chinese producers.

Highlights
• Conceptual study underway using Metso’s Ausmelt TSL smelting technology
• Target production: 3,000–5,000 tonnes per year of 99.65% purity antimony
• Energy-efficient, low-emission process with potential for hydrogen and biochar use
• Pilot-tested with Australian and Chinese concentrates
• Aligns with U.S. and allied strategic resource goals for critical minerals security

The three stage pyrometallurgical flowsheet under consideration includes primary smelting to produce antimony oxide fume, treatment to produce crude metal, and final refining.

The Ausmelt process offers energy efficiency, high metal recovery, and lower emissions compared to conventional smelting techniques.

Notably, the technology’s compatibility with renewable energy inputs and waste heat recovery aligns with Trigg’s broader decarbonisation strategy.

Managing Director Andre Booyzen said the partnership marked a pivotal milestone in the company’s critical minerals roadmap:

“This proposal marks a critical step forward in our strategy to establish a reliable, Western processing pathway for antimony, a mineral of national strategic importance at our Antimony Canyon Project. 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-1 jurisdictions.”

Antimony is a vital ingredient in flame retardants, munitions, and semiconductors, and is included on the U.S. Critical Minerals List.

Trigg’s twin-pronged antimony portfolio spans the United States and New South Wales, where its Wild Cattle Creek deposit hosts a JORC Resource of 29,900 tonnes of contained antimony at nearly 2% grade.

Investors should view this collaboration not just as a processing study, but as a deliberate move by Trigg to control more of the antimony value chain, from extraction to refined metal, within Western borders.

In a geopolitical landscape increasingly shaped by resource nationalism and clean energy transitions, securing independent, low-emission supply routes for strategic materials is no longer optional, it is urgent.

The conceptual study is expected to inform the company’s next steps in smelter development and broader supply chain planning. Further updates are anticipated upon study completion

Please note the following valuable information before using this website. 

Independent Research 

Market Open Australia is intended to be used only for educational and informative purposes, and any information on this website should not be taken as investment advice or guidance. It is important to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions, which should be based on your own investment needs and personal circumstances. Any investment decisions based on information contained on this website should be taken in line with independent financial advice from a qualified professional or should be independently researched and verified.