YEONGWOL COUNTY, South Korea — The United States, engaged in military actions against Iran, is depleting its stockpiles of advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk and Patriot missiles. The replacement of these arms hinges on tungsten, a metal primarily controlled by China, prompting the U.S. to seek alternative sources. The U.S. has not operated any commercial tungsten mines since 2015, increasing its reliance on imports and recycling to meet demand. The Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea, recently reopened by Almonty Industries, is one of the few large-scale tungsten sources outside China and is expected to operate for up to a century. With the demand for tungsten rising due to its critical role in defense and technology, the U.S. faces challenges in reestablishing a resilient tungsten supply chain.
Why It Matters
The global tungsten supply is heavily influenced by China’s market dominance, producing over 80% of the world’s supply. In recent years, geopolitical tensions have exacerbated supply constraints, particularly following China’s export controls on critical minerals amid the U.S.-China trade war. The U.S. military’s reliance on tungsten for various advanced munitions highlights the strategic importance of ensuring a stable supply chain for this essential metal. The reopening of the Sangdong mine represents a significant step in reducing dependence on Chinese tungsten and bolstering U.S. defense capabilities in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
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