US seeks new tungsten supplies after Iran war drains military stockpiles

The United States has begun seeking new sources of tungsten after the war with Iran depleted ammunition and weapons stockpiles, NBC reported.

The report noted that tungsten is one of the key metals used in the production of fighter jets, bombs, missile systems and other military equipment.

NBC described tungsten as a metal that is “essential for national defense.” According to the report, the United States has not had an active commercial tungsten mine since 2015.

Despite that, Washington is seeking to reduce its dependence on China, which dominates global tungsten production and processing.

Steve Allen, chief operating officer of mining company Almonty, said demand for tungsten would continue to rise.

“Demand for tungsten is only going to increase. Therefore, having a sustainable tungsten supply chain will be critically important over the next 10 to 20 years,” Allen said.

China has maintained a dominant position in the global tungsten industry for decades through state subsidies, low labor costs and more flexible regulations.

The report said China accounts for more than 80% of global tungsten production and more than half of worldwide consumption.

The US largely meets its tungsten needs through recycling and remains dependent on imports. According to data from the US Geological Survey, the country imports more than 6,000 tons of tungsten annually.

NBC also noted that China imposed export controls last year on rare earth elements and critical minerals, including tungsten, during trade tensions with the US, driving prices higher.

The report said tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal. It melts at 3,410 degrees Celsius and boils at 5,500 degrees Celsius, a level close to the surface temperature of the sun. Tungsten was also described as an extremely dense and hard metal.

Because of these properties, tungsten alloys are used as core materials in armor-piercing ammunition.

The report added that tungsten is also preferred in aerospace, missile and other military system components where high weight is required in a small volume.

Foreign Policy magazine also reported in early April that US stockpiles of tungsten, described as a “war metal,” had been declining.

The magazine said the depletion stemmed from heavy US ammunition use during the war with Iran.

Washington is attempting to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. As part of that effort, Pentagon restrictions on sourcing tungsten for defense supply chains are expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

The magazine also reported that the Pentagon had provided a $6.2 million grant for the development of Golden Metal Resources’ project in Nevada.