The Renewed Drive for Tungsten Amid Global Conflicts

The United States is heavily reliant on advanced weapons and ammunition such as Tomahawk, Patriot, and Precision Strike missiles in its conflict with Iran. To replenish its stockpile, the U.S. needs tungsten, a vital metal for military applications. With China leading the production and refining of tungsten, the U.S. is urgently seeking alternative sources.

Tungsten plays a crucial role in manufacturing for fighter jets, bunker buster bombs, armor-piercing rounds, and missile systems. However, since 2015, the U.S. has not operated any commercial tungsten mines. The previous administration aimed to reduce dependence on Chinese tungsten supplies.

Source: NBC News

The South Korean Solution

A significant source of tungsten is found in the mountains of eastern South Korea. A U.S. company controls a mine here that contains large quantities of tungsten ore. According to Lewis Black, CEO of Almonty Industries, few large-scale tungsten mines exist globally. Recently, the company reopened the Sangdong mine after over 30 years due to competition from China. Black described tungsten as a “war metal” and emphasized its importance in technology, found in semiconductors, batteries, and smartphones.

Steve Allen, Almonty’s chief operating officer, highlighted the growing demand for tungsten. A consistent tungsten supply chain will be essential over the next decades.

Strategic Importance and Challenges

The necessity for tungsten has intensified since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began, affecting both U.S. stockpiles and its allies, such as Japan and South Korea. Taiwan awaits a significant U.S. arms package, now paused due to the Iranian conflict.

China’s dominance in the tungsten market is facilitated by its lower production costs and fewer regulations. In the face of U.S. trade tensions, China imposed export controls on tungsten, causing price surges. The tariffs and trade agreements are under review and could change by November.

Complexities of Tungsten Production

Tungsten is challenging to extract and refine due to its properties and environmental impact. The U.S. currently relies on importation and recycling, but aims to reestablish a domestic supply chain. This goal is part of the broader strategic realignment with U.S. defense priorities. Besides the Sangdong mine, plans are in place to reopen a mine in Montana, further securing the U.S. tungsten supply.

Steve Allen stressed that revitalizing the U.S. tungsten industry is critical both now and for the future, ensuring the country can meet its defense and technological needs independently.