Critical Minerals Crisis: The Battle Over Tungsten Supply

Tungsten: The Next Battleground in the Global Critical Minerals War

Editorial Team (ET)May 8, 2025

The global battle over critical minerals is reaching new heights. China’s decision to restrict exports of tungsten and other essential metals is a direct response to rising trade tensions, particularly following U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. This move has sent shockwaves through industries that rely heavily on tungsten—a metal essential for military applications, electronics, and industrial manufacturing.

Why Tungsten is Indispensable

Tungsten is not just another metal; it is one of the most critical elements in modern industry. With the highest melting point of any element and exceptional hardness, it plays a key role in everything from cutting tools to military-grade ammunition. Its unique properties make it irreplaceable, and as global tensions rise, securing a stable supply is becoming a top priority.

China’s Dominance and the West’s Dependency

China currently controls approximately 83% of global tungsten production. The United States, which stopped commercial tungsten mining in 2015, now relies heavily on imports—37% of which come directly from China. This dependency has become a significant strategic vulnerability.

In response, the Biden administration imposed a 25% duty on Chinese tungsten imports in December 2024, signaling an urgent need to reduce reliance on Chinese supply. The U.S. military is under pressure to phase out Chinese and Russian tungsten by 2027, further escalating the demand for alternative sources.

The Race for Non-Chinese Tungsten Supply

Western nations are scrambling to secure non-Chinese tungsten. The U.S. Department of Defense has taken action by funding projects such as Fireweed Metals Corp’s Mactung tungsten mine in Canada. While promising, this initiative is still in the early stages, with feasibility studies and testing expected to take years before production can begin.

In the near term, the world’s hopes rest on the revival of South Korea’s Sangdong mine, a once-prominent tungsten producer. Almonty Industries, the company behind its reopening, has already secured contracts with major players like Global Tungsten & Powders, ensuring that tungsten output is directed towards non-Chinese markets.

A Critical Shift in Pricing Strategy

One of the most striking developments in the tungsten market is the adoption of new pricing mechanisms. Almonty has implemented a floor price for its tungsten production, ensuring stability against potential price manipulation by China. This strategy mirrors moves seen in other critical mineral markets, where companies are learning that relying solely on market forces can be a dangerous gamble.

The Future of Tungsten and the Global Metals Race

As China continues to tighten control over its mineral exports, the West is facing a stark reality: securing critical metals like tungsten will require substantial investment, long-term planning, and innovative pricing strategies. The rush to establish alternative supplies is not just about economic interests—it is a matter of strategic security.

The lesson from this unfolding tungsten crisis is clear: nations that fail to secure their own critical mineral supply chains will find themselves vulnerable in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. The fight for tungsten is just the beginning.

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