According to Governor General of the southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province Ali Owsat Hashemi, the province is home to 10% of the world’s antimony reserves, Mehr News Agency reported.
The governor general made the comment during a visit to Sefidabeh Antimony Mine, adding that exploration and exploitation of the element in Sistan-Baluchestan would help the province become a global hub. He emphasized that as many as 16 antimony deposits have so far been explored in the province with at least 200,000 tons of reserves. Sefidabeh produces antimony concentrate with a grade of 26 to 32 percent to make 90,000 tons of antimony ingots per annum.
Noting that the province is also home to numerous other mines with adequate infrastructure, the official called for investment in Sistan-Baluchestan’s mining sector.
China is the world’s biggest producer of antimony, producing 140,000 tons per year; far ahead of Russia with 3,500 tons and Bolivia with 3,000 tons.
