A metalloid is an element that has properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They typically appear metallic but are brittle and poor (semi) conductors. They can be alloyed with metals.

They have a wide range of uses such as catalysts, flame retardants, glass, semiconductors and electronics.

There are six commonly recognised metalloids: boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony and tellurium. Polonium and astatine are occasionally recognised as metalloids, as is selenium.

There is reasonable ASX exposure to metalloids, particularly silicon. However, metalloids are typically a minor part of a company’s portfolio. For example, Rio is building a telluride process plant at its Kennecott copper mine in Utah. While this will make a profit, it will be a negligible part of Rio’s earnings.

Boron

American Pacific Borates Ltd (ASX: ABR)

Anson Resources Ltd (ASX: ASN)

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

Orocobre Ltd (ASX: ORE)

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Silicon

See this article on silica sand stocks

Germanium

Mount Burgess Mining NL (ASX: MTB)

Arsenic

None

Antimony

Red River Resources Ltd (ASX: RVR)

New Age Exploration Ltd (ASX: NAE)

Calidus Resources Ltd (ASX: CAI)

 Tellurium

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

06 July 2021 Commodities, Companies