Story perspectives

China’s Export Controls Spark Global Tungsten Shortage, Defense Risks

7/2/2026

Left

South Korea Blasts

Tungsten’s strategic vulnerability stems from China supplying roughly 85 % of global output, essential for defense.
South Korean miners are currently blasting tungsten in Sangdong tunnels while the United States pursues supply diversification.
China’s 2025 export controls sharply cut shipments, creating shortages and driving tungsten prices higher worldwide.
Chinese firms bought Kazakhstan’s biggest open-pit tungsten mine and raised scrap imports, tightening U.S. defense.

Right

U.S. Secures Mine

Villagers near Sangdong mine displayed signs urging companies to reopen it, saying they do not want town to die.
Almonty Industries, a Montana-based firm, raised $770 million in its IPO and now operates the Sangdong tungsten mine.
The United States dispatched a geologist to Sangdong and secured American control of the mine.
JC Metals' Nick Stevens rejected a Chinese 30 percent above-market bid to keep tungsten in U.S.

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South Korea Blasts

Tungsten’s strategic vulnerability stems from China supplying roughly 85 % of global output, essential for defense.
South Korean miners are currently blasting tungsten in Sangdong tunnels while the United States pursues supply diversification.
China’s 2025 export controls sharply cut shipments, creating shortages and driving tungsten prices higher worldwide.
Chinese firms bought Kazakhstan’s biggest open-pit tungsten mine and raised scrap imports, tightening U.S. defense.

1 / 2