Tungsten’s growing strategic value

A boost for strategic resources

In an era of rapid technological advancements and energy transition, securing access to strategic minerals has become a priority for industries and governments worldwide. Among these essential resources, tungsten stands out due to its unique properties, making it indispensable in a variety of high-tech and industrial applications. This metal is known for its highest melting point among all metals, exceptional resistance to corrosion, and excellent conductivity. These attributes render it useful for use in cutting tools, advanced microchips, electric vehicle batteries, and aerospace components.

The Sangdong mine’s history and potential

Located approximately 115 miles southeast of Seoul, the Sangdong mine in South Korea’s Gangwon Province has long been recognized for its vast tungsten reserves. Once a key driver of South Korea’s economy, the mine ceased operations in 1994 due to shifting global market conditions and resource dynamics. However, its reputation as one of the largest tungsten reserves globally, with an estimated 8.7 million tons, has kept it in the spotlight.

Now, after nearly three decades of dormancy, Sangdong is returning to full-scale operation. This development reflects a broader trend of revitalizing dormant mineral projects to meet the increasing demand for strategic minerals. Recent estimates predict that the mine could produce up to 1.2 million tons of tungsten annually within the next two to three years.

Tungsten in the energy transition

Tungsten’s revival in importance is directly tied to its applications in sectors linked to the energy transition. Electric vehicle batteries are a notable example, where tungsten contributes to improved energy density and stability. When used in electrodes or added as tungsten oxide, it enhances the battery’s overall performance, ensuring greater efficiency and longer lifespans.

In addition to EV batteries, tungsten’s high thermal resistance and durability make it an ideal material for advanced aerospace technologies. It is frequently used in radiation shielding, counterweights, and protective components for space exploration. As industries like automotive and aerospace continue to push technological boundaries, tungsten’s role as a key resource is becoming more apparent.

Global implications of the Sangdong mine’s reopening

The reopening of the Sangdong mine has broader implications for global supply chains and strategic partnerships. South Korea is a member of the U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership, which aims to enhance cooperation among nations for securing strategic minerals. This partnership emphasizes tungsten’s importance as a strategic resource for advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure.

By reviving Sangdong, South Korea positions itself as a key player in the global market for strategic minerals. Diversifying supply chains is a key goal for nations seeking to strengthen their industries and mitigate geopolitical risks associated with resource dependencies.

Addressing the global demand for tungsten

Countries such as the United States are also ramping up efforts to develop domestic capabilities for sourcing and processing strategic minerals. Laws like the Defense Production Act allow the U.S. to prioritize materials deemed strategic to national interests, including tungsten. Such initiatives aim to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers while boosting domestic industries’ competitiveness.

The reopening of the Sangdong mine aligns with these international efforts to secure a stable supply of strategic resources. Its predicted productivity levels not only reinforce South Korea’s position in the mineral market but also support global industries dependent on tungsten for high-tech applications.

A key resource for future technologies

The relevance of tungsten extends beyond its immediate industrial applications. Its role in emerging technologies, particularly those supporting energy efficiency, underscores its strategic importance.

As industries worldwide prioritize decarbonization and advanced manufacturing, resources like tungsten could play an increasingly pivotal role. The Sangdong mine’s reactivation is more than just a return to production: it represents a step forward in meeting the global demand for minerals essential to building a sustainable and technologically advanced future.