The nitrogen group elements are group 15 of the periodic table. They comprise nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi) and muscovium (Mc). The last element has only been prepared synthetically.

This group includes two of the three elements most important to plant life: nitrogen and phosphorus (the third being potassium). The human body is around 2.4% nitrogen and 1% phosphorus.

P_table

 

The group has a wide range of physical properties. Nitrogen is a gas with a very low boiling point of minus 195oC. It is produced by fractional distillation of air. Along with nitrogen, phosphorus is a non-metal. It is highly reactive in air and thus is not found as a free element. It typically occurs as phosphate in which form it is used as a fertiliser.

Arsenic and antimony are both toxic metalloids. The former has a well-deserved reputation as a once popular poison. Arsenic is used in semiconductors (as gallium arsenide), in pyrotechnics and in organic form as an additive to poultry food. It has previously been used to preserve wood.

Antimony is alloyed with lead to improve strength, for example in lead acid batteries. It is also used in bullets to improve accuracy and range. Its main use is in the form of antimony trioxide in flame retardants.

Bismuth is a heavy metal with a low melting point, similar to lead. It is mainly produced as a by-product in the smelting/refining of base and precious metals. It is used as a catalyst and in alloying with other metals. Wood’s metal is 50% bismuth along with lead tin and cadmium. It has a very low melting point of 70oC and is used in fire sprinkler systems. Compounds of bismuth have been used for centuries as a remedy for stomach aches and diarrhea.

Australian exposure to nitrogen group elements is limited. Red River Resources Ltd (ASX: RVR) holds the Hillgrove gold-antimony project which is currently on care and maintenance.  Mandalay Resources Corporation (TSX: MND) operates the Costerfield antimony-gold mine in Victoria. Novo Resources Corporation (TSX: NVO) holds the Blue Spec gold-antimony deposit in Western Australia. Bismuth has been mined from copper-gold deposits in the Tennant Creek region of the Northern Territory and there are tungsten-bismuth occurrences near Duckmaloi in New South Wales.

10 March 2020 Commodities