The global race for critical minerals is heating up, with the United States government taking steps to boost its supply of tungsten from sources outside of China. A recent visit by U.S. government researchers to the Sangdong Mine in South Korea, owned by Almonty Industries, indicates a potential shift in the tungsten supply chain.
Tungsten, a key metal used in various industries including weapons manufacturing, semiconductors, and industrial cutting machines, has been heavily dominated by China, which controls over 80% of the global supply. The Sangdong Mine, set to reopen this year, could potentially produce up to 50% of the world’s tungsten supply outside of China.
The U.S. Geological Survey, a government agency responsible for analyzing natural resource availability, has not commercially mined tungsten since 2015. However, a recent visit by four mineral resource scholars to the Sangdong Mine signals a renewed interest in diversifying the tungsten supply chain.
The Biden administration has identified critical minerals, including tungsten, as a priority for national security. Tariffs on tungsten and other critical minerals have been announced as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign sources. The U.S. Geological Survey plans to provide a significant update on the Sangdong Mine in its 2025 report, highlighting the importance of securing a stable supply of tungsten.
China’s control over critical mineral supply chains has raised concerns among western governments, prompting efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese sources. With Beijing potentially imposing export restrictions on tungsten in response to escalating trade tensions, there is a growing urgency to develop domestic sources of critical minerals.
The U.S. Energy Department has already allocated grants to support domestic mining and processing of critical minerals, signaling a shift towards greater self-sufficiency. Western nations are expected to accelerate efforts to diversify their critical mineral supply chains, in response to China’s strategic use of export controls.
As the global competition for critical minerals intensifies, the reopening of the Sangdong Mine and the U.S. government’s focus on securing a stable tungsten supply highlight the importance of diversifying critical mineral supply chains for national security and economic stability.
