Antimony Ingot Market Price to Jump Up, Osaka

Antimony market price is 670-720 yen per kilogram around Osaka. The price must jump up soon due to an accident at the world largest antimony mine in Hunan, China. The mine stopped operation on October 8th when an accident occurred in the pit and 26 workers were dead. According to a Japanese ingot dealer, antimony mines around the area is wholly suspending operations during inspections by authorities. Antimony ore supply would become even tighter.

Antimony price in European market, surveyed by Reuter, still stays at US$ 5,850-6,050 per tonne for 99.65% purity ingot not to reflect Hunan’s accident. However, the Japanese dealer said they cannot procure antimony ingot even offering US$ 6,400 at the local site. European market price must rise soon and may reach record US$ 6,600-6,700 marked in August 2008.

Safety check for the mines seems to take 2-3 months. The market price is expected to keep the record high level by the end of this year at least.