Felix Gold's metallurgical testwork confirms ultra-high purity antimony concentrate from its Treasure Creek NW Array prospect, exceeding US military specifications and offering multiple processing pathways. This breakthrough could rapidly address critical US supply shortages amid geopolitical export bans.
- Ultra-high purity antimony ore with 89.2% antimony minerals
- Flotation concentrate exceeds US military-grade specification at 74% Sb
- Validated multiple processing routes including direct leach and ore sorting
- Potential for rapid, low-capex production starting late 2025 or early 2026
- Strategic importance amid US reliance on imports and China export ban
A Geological Rarity with Strategic Implications
Felix Gold Limited (ASX, FXG) has revealed metallurgical test results from its Treasure Creek NW Array prospect in Alaska that confirm an exceptionally pure antimony ore. The sample mineralogy shows an extraordinary 89.2% antimony-bearing minerals, predominantly stibnite, with minimal impurities. This level of natural purity is rare in modern critical mineral deposits and offers a unique opportunity to produce military-grade antimony concentrate with minimal processing.
Multiple Processing Pathways De-Risk Development
The company validated three distinct processing routes, a standard flotation process producing a 74% antimony concentrate exceeding the US military specification (MIL-A-22131), a direct alkaline sulphide leach achieving 98% extraction, and a conceptual ore sorting pathway that could dramatically reduce processing costs. This flexibility allows Felix Gold to optimize for speed, capital efficiency, or product quality, significantly reducing technical and financial risks.
Addressing a Critical US Supply Chain Vulnerability
The timing of this discovery is critical. Following China’s December 2024 export ban on antimony to the US, America faces near-total import dependence for this strategic metal, essential for defense, semiconductors, and clean energy technologies. Felix Gold’s Treasure Creek project offers a domestic source with proven pathways to produce military-grade material, aligning with US government initiatives to secure critical mineral supply chains through funding, streamlined permitting, and stockpiling programs.
Rapid Development Potential with Low Capital Intensity
Felix Gold is targeting initial production as early as Q4 2025 to Q1 2026 through a low-capital, modular approach focusing on bulk sampling and simple processing methods. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure near Fairbanks, Alaska, and a stable mining jurisdiction. The company’s executive director, Joe Webb, highlighted the transformative impact of starting with such pure ore, which simplifies processing, reduces environmental footprint, and accelerates timelines.
Next Steps and Ongoing Work
While no feasibility study has yet been completed, Felix Gold is advancing a comprehensive metallurgical optimization program and an expanded drilling campaign to better understand deposit variability and support future mine planning. Further testwork will refine flotation circuits, hydrometallurgical processes, and ore sorting viability. The company’s progress will be closely watched as it seeks to translate this geological outlier into a strategic domestic supply of antimony.
Bottom Line?
Felix Gold’s ultra-pure antimony discovery could redefine US supply security, but feasibility and scale-up remain key hurdles ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- How representative is the ultra-high purity across the entire Treasure Creek deposit?
- What are the capital and operating cost comparisons between the flotation and direct leach pathways?
- How quickly can Felix Gold secure permitting and funding to meet its ambitious production timeline?