Equinox Resources - Option Agreement for High-Grade Antimony Project in British Columbia

Project Overview

Equinox Resources has entered into a binding option agreement with Mr. J. Bakus to acquire 100% interest in three tenements located in the Slocan Mining Division, British Columbia. The Alturas Antimony Project covers the historic Alps-Alturas mine, which operated between 1915 and 1926, producing ultra-high grade Antimony with an average grade of 57.20% Sb.

Historically, the mine shipped a total of 105 tonnes of antimony ore, including notable shipments such as 21.5 tonnes at 59.50% Sb, 26.5 tonnes at 58.87% Sb, and 31 tonnes at 53.28% Sb. The mineralised shear zone, with stibnite veins up to 1.2 meters wide, remains open along strike and depth, indicating significant untapped exploration potential.

Geological Context

The project area features a significant shear zone with primary antimony mineralisation in quartz veins. The mineralised zone extends along a considerable length of the fault, with vein widths varying from 0.5 to 1.2 meters. The geological setting includes extensive metamorphism and late-stage intrusive rocks, providing a favorable environment for significant polymetallic mineralisation.

In addition to antimony, the area hosts significant silver mineralisation within quartz veins associated with the same structural features. The northern part of the property lies within the Kaslo Group Volcanics, comprising meta-andesite intruded by monzonitic plugs related to the Jurassic Kuskanax Batholith. Silver-bearing tetrahedrite is found in the quartz veins within the pyritiferous volcanic rocks, which extend for at least 1,300 meters.

Market Context

The global antimony market is currently navigating significant disruption due to China's recent export controls on antimony ore, metal, oxides, and associated smelting technologies. As the dominant producer, China's actions have tightened market conditions and pushed prices to recent highs of $23,500 per metric tonne. These controls are expected to increase market volatility and underscore the strategic importance of antimony, classified as a critical mineral by several key economies.

Antimony's versatile applications span various industries, including flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, glass manufacturing, and military applications. The rising adoption of renewable energy technologies and enhanced fire safety regulations worldwide continue to drive the consumption of antimony-based products.