MTI(US:MTX) Newsfileยท2025-02-03 12:00Core Insights - The New Zealand government has published its Critical Minerals List, which includes gold and antimony, highlighting the strategic importance of these minerals for the country's future [1][9] - Rua Gold Inc. is actively exploring the Reefton Project, which has significant antimony potential, and is focused on expanding its existing resources [2][5] Company Updates - Rua Gold has commenced drilling at the Auld Creek antimony-gold prospect, which already has an established antimony resource [5][10] - The company reported that rock chip samples from the Reefton District have shown antimony grades of up to 40.3% and gold grades up to 74.3g/t, indicating a strong potential for high-grade mineralization [6][20] - The company controls over 120,000 hectares in the Reefton Gold District, which historically produced over 2 million ounces of gold [24] Industry Context - Antimony prices have surged, increasing by 250% in 2024 to over US$40,000 per tonne, driven by heightened demand and limited supply primarily controlled by China, Russia, and Tajikistan [6][9][8] - The designation of antimony as a critical mineral by multiple countries, including New Zealand, reflects its growing importance in various sectors such as renewable energy and defense [8][9] - The strategic focus on securing alternative sources of antimony has intensified due to geopolitical tensions and export controls from major producing countries [8][9]