US Pursues Tajik Antimony as China Tightens Export Controls

September 2, 2026 at 05:23 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The United States is deepening engagement with Tajikistan over antimony, a metal critical to defense and electronics, as Washington seeks alternatives to Chinese supply. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met with U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor and Senator Steve Daines in Bishkek on September 1 to discuss investment in strategic minerals. Tajikistan produced about 20% of global antimony in 2025, ranking third after China and Russia.

Key Facts

Tajikistan produced about 22,000 tons of antimony in 2025, out of global production of approximately 110,000 tons.
China produced about 40,000 tons and Russia 32,000 tons of antimony in 2025.
TALCO Gold commissioned a plant in July 2026 with capacity to produce up to 5,000 tons of metallic antimony a year.
The Konchoch deposit contains more than 23 million tons of ore, about 50 tons of gold, and more than 265,000 tons of antimony.
China introduced export controls on antimony products in 2024.

US Engagement

U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor and Senator Steve Daines met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Bishkek on September 1. The two sides highlighted investment in rare and strategically important minerals. Washington is seeking new sources of strategic raw materials to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies. In Kazakhstan, U.S.-based Cove Capital and state-owned Tau-Ken Samruk are preparing to develop the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty tungsten deposits.

Tajik Antimony Operations

Tajikistan's main antimony production is concentrated in Ayni District in the north of the country. The Dzhizhikrut antimony-mercury deposit is operated by Anzob, wholly owned by U.S.-based Comsup Commodities Inc. since 2006. The Konchoch group of deposits is developed by TALCO Gold, 50% owned by state-owned Tajik Aluminium Company and 50% by China's Tibet Huayu Mining. The Chinese investor entered the project in 2017, paying $90 million for its stake.

Processing Capacity

TALCO Gold commissioned a plant in July 2026 with capacity to produce up to 5,000 tons of metallic antimony a year. Previously, the company had primarily produced concentrates. The key advantage of the Chinese-backed project is processing.