On Sept. 15, export controls come into force in China for the metal antimony, which is required for car batteries and solar panels, but also for weapons and military equipment such as ammunition and night vision devices. After gallium, germanium and high-purity graphite, it is the fourth metal for which Beijing regulates exports. It is therefore no wonder that the West is increasingly concerned about its dependence on China for critical minerals. The country is the world’s most important source of numerous important minerals or products processed from them.