Mining & Processing

How Tungsten Is Mined and Processed

Tungsten (W) is a refractory metal with global annual production of approximately 84,000 tonnes W content, primarily from China and Vietnam. Typical ore grades range from 0.3-1.5% WO3.

Mining Methods

Tungsten is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Underground mining
• Open-pit mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Tungsten include:

• Wolframite - (Fe,MnWO4)
• Scheelite - CaWO4

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Tungsten ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Gravity and magnetic separation
2. Alkaline pressure digestion
3. Ammonium paratungstate (APT) production
4. Hydrogen reduction to tungsten metal
5. Carburization to tungsten carbide

Major Mines and Production Centers

The following are key Tungsten mining and processing operations worldwide:

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Tungsten must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 82% of global production is concentrated.