Dynamic material flow analysis of antimony resources in China

Abstract

Antimony is recognized as a crucial material due to its extensive application in modern industrial fields. China is the largest antimony supplier and consumer in the world. However, few studies focus on antimony flows and stocks in China from a whole life cycle perspective. This study investigates the features of antimony flows and stocks in China from 2011 to 2020 by conducting dynamic material flow analysis. The results show that China’s antimony production had drastically decreased during 2011-2020, indicating a high supply risk to the antimony industry chain. Also, the corresponding environmental pollution from the antimony life cycle is serious and should be mitigated. In addition, the majority of secondary antimony production came from end-of-life lead-acid batteries and bearing gears. To ensure sustainable antimony supply and maintain clean antimony production, it is necessary to prepare appropriate antimony management policies so that different stakeholders can work together to improve the sustainable management of antimony resource in China.