A $1.2 billion Australian plan to stockpile critical minerals like antimony is energizing miners, with one Victorian project positioning itself as a key future supplier.

MELBOURNE – Australia’s move to build a A$1.2 billion stockpile of minerals deemed vital for defense and clean energy is drawing keen interest from miners, with one key antimony developer in Victoria hailing the government’s strategic foresight.

The federal government recently detailed plans for its National Critical Minerals Stockpile, prioritizing antimony, gallium and 17 rare earth elements. Antimony, essential for munitions, night-vision gear and flame retardants, is also finding new demand in batteries and solar panels.

The initiative has resonated with companies like Southern Cross Gold Ltd., which owns the high-grade Sunday Creek antimony-gold project near Melbourne—one of the most significant undeveloped deposits of its kind in the Western world.

“We strongly support the strategic foresight,” said CEO Michael Hudson. He highlighted the project’s prime location, approved underground access, and government support, adding the company looks forward to discussing how Sunday Creek “can contribute to Australia’s stockpile objectives and support our AUKUS alliance partners.”

Victoria is currently Australia’s only antimony-producing state. The state government has prioritized the metal in its own Critical Minerals Roadmap and approved the company’s exploration decline plan in late 2025. Site work is now underway, with plans to expand what could become one of Australia’s largest drilling campaigns, aiming to feed both the new national reserve and global strategic needs.Editor/Cao Tianyi