New Tungsten Supply Options Emerge for Manufacturers
Manufacturers face reduced reliance on China as new production and scrap recovery projects expand global tungsten access.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Almonty Korea Tungsten Corp completed its production facility at the Sangdong mine in South Korea in September 2026. This development provides a new non-Chinese supply chain option for manufacturers who rely on tungsten, a critical mineral for which the United States remains more than 50 percent dependent on imports.
Why it matters
The United States has not commercially mined tungsten since 2015, leaving domestic industrial operations vulnerable to global supply chain volatility dominated by China. Diversifying sourcing through projects like Sangdong and scrap recovery helps mitigate the risk of price spikes and shortages for businesses utilizing these materials.
China currently controls the vast majority of the global market, producing 67,000 metric tons of the 85,000 metric tons mined annually. Meanwhile, the U.S. remains over 50 percent reliant on imports after ceasing all commercial tungsten mining operations in 2015.
The players
Almonty Korea Tungsten Corp
An international mining company focused on tungsten exploration and production at the Sangdong site in South Korea.
Tungco
A long-standing processor that recovers tungsten from industrial scrap and secondary materials.
CME Group
A global derivatives exchange operator planning to introduce financial instruments for the tungsten market.
The details
Tungsten is essential for high-performance industrial tools and manufacturing components. To reduce import dependency, the market is shifting toward both primary extraction, such as at the newly completed Sangdong mine in Yeongwol, and secondary recovery efforts. For instance, Tungco is leveraging its history of scrap reclamation to process discarded tools into high-purity sodium tungstate under its Project 74 initiative.
Timeline
1969: Tungco began its scrap recovery operations.
2015: The United States stopped all commercial mining of tungsten.
April 2026: Tungco launched Project 74.
September 2026: Almonty Korea Tungsten Corp completed production facilities at the Sangdong mine.
Q1 2027: CME Group expects to launch tungsten futures.
Market Landscape
This development follows the long-standing U.S. critical minerals supply chain security requirements aimed at reducing reliance on foreign-controlled sources. It marks a strategic shift to stabilize inputs for the domestic manufacturing base after a decade of complete import dependency.
Manufacturers should assess their exposure to tungsten price volatility and evaluate secondary suppliers as new production sources come online. Keep watch on the CME Group launch of tungsten futures in 2027 as a potential mechanism for hedging future material costs.
The takeaway
The move toward both new mining production and industrial scrap recovery signals a broader effort to stabilize critical mineral supply lines for manufacturers. Operators should review their current procurement contracts and monitor the 2027 debut of tungsten futures to better manage long-term price risks.
Further reading
For more on the operational shifts in sourcing, visit the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Korea Times.
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