Tungsten Industry Advancements | EVs, Defense & Sustainability

Introduction

Tungsten is extremely hard, dense, and has the highest melting point of all metals, making it essential for demanding industries. Whether used in the electronic wiring of jet engines or microchips, or in high precision cutting tools, this metal’s ability to resist extreme temperatures makes it industrially indispensable.

The global shift toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and ultra-precise manufacturing has further increased tungsten’s importance. High-performance alloys and composites containing tungsten now enable advanced electronics and form critical components in electric vehicles, where durability and thermal resistance are of utmost importance.

The global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy has further elevated tungsten’s mid-to-long-term strategic importance. The metal plays a vital role in energy storage systems, high-voltage electrical contacts, and radiation shielding for nuclear and medical applications. As industries increasingly focus on reliability and efficiency, tungsten’s metallurgical advantages position it as a key material in the clean energy ecosystem of the future.

Reflecting this trend, Almonty Industries announced in May 2024 that the Sangdong Tungsten Mine in South Korea is nearing production readiness. Once operational, it will become one of the largest tungsten facilities worldwide, reducing Western dependence on Chinese imports and supporting local downstream processing. The project’s committed customers include the defense and EV sectors, both seeking stable and secure material supplies.

Meanwhile, sustainability-focused research continues to advance in this sector. In February 2025, scientists at the University of Cambridge unveiled an innovative recovery method for tungsten from hard-metal scrap through low-energy electrochemical leaching. This breakthrough promotes circular economy practices by significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional recycling processes.

Together, these developments highlight how the tungsten industry is evolving to meet diversified customer needs, enhance resource security, and promote environmentally responsible production.

Detailed analyses, production forecasts, and key company profiles can be found in the complete Refractory Metals Report by Expert Market Research.

Major drivers and challenges

A primary factor driving the growth of the tungsten industry is the increasing use of the metal in the aerospace and defense sectors. The rising demand for lightweight yet high-temperature-resistant materials for turbine blades, rocket nozzles, and kinetic penetrators has prompted manufacturers to develop advanced tungsten alloys that offer superior strength without compromising flexibility.

Another key growth driver is the expanding use of tungsten carbide in the tooling and machining industry. As global manufacturing continues to advance rapidly, tungsten carbide remains the preferred choice for cutting, drilling, and wear-resistant components due to its exceptional durability and precision. The resurgence of infrastructure and construction projects across the Asia-Pacific region has further boosted demand for these high-strength tools.

However, the tungsten industry faces persistent challenges, particularly in supply chain concentration and environmental management. China remains the world’s largest producer and refiner of tungsten, dominating global output. This dependence on a single-source supply chain raises concerns over geopolitical risks and price volatility. To mitigate these risks, mining companies across Europe, North America, and Asia are increasingly investing in local production and recycling initiatives.

Sustainability has also become a central focus, with efforts underway to reduce the environmental footprint of tungsten extraction. The adoption of hydrometallurgical extraction and recycling technologies aims to lower carbon emissions and energy consumption, addressing one of the industry’s most pressing concerns, that is the high energy intensity of tungsten ore processing.

Table of contents

1. Overview of the tungsten industry
2. Key applications and performance characteristics
3. Mining and refining developments
4. Tungsten carbide and alloy innovations
5. Role in aerospace and defense sectors
6. Circular economy and recycling technologies
7. Supply chain and trade landscap
8. Emerging sustainability practices
9. Key producers and R&D collaborations
10. Future outlook and investment potential

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