A secret metal that was heavily used during World War I and World War II has made a comeback in recent times. The 100-year-old metal seemed unimportant a few years ago, but its value and potential are being fully realized now. However, 50% of the metal is now under the control of BRICS member China. The US has to depend on China for mining and production at a time when tensions between the two countries are on the rise.
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BRICS: Secret Metal That Won World War 2 Under China’s Control
Source: France24.com / Reuters
The secret metal that won World War II is ‘Antimony’ and was a forgotten mineral for over a century. It is now back in usage as it’s a key requirement for modern warfare. BRICS member China controls nearly 50% of the world’s Antimony mining and also 80% of the global Antimony metal production.
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The US is aware of the risks of dealing with China and the broader BRICS members to procure the Antimony metal. This has put the US military and Pentagon scrambling to secure a domestic source to gain access to Antimony. The Pentagon is looking at the abandoned West Gore Antimony Project site in Nova Scotia, Canada. The site mined and produced Antimony during the World Wars and the Pentagon is planning to redevelop it.
Antimony Metal – Source: Britannica
It is now among the potential few sites that could be redeveloped to gain access to the Antimony metal. It is strategically placed in North America and the US will not depend on BRICS member China for Antimony. However, it is only in the first few steps and an official stance for mining has not been taken by the Pentagon.
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Also, Military Metals Corp recently acquired the West Gore Antimony Project indicating that the mining could soon go ahead. “The acquisition of the West Gore Antimony Project demonstrates our strategy of becoming a significant global antimony player,” said CEO, Scott Eldridge.
