How Tungsten Is Mined and Processed
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Tungsten concentrates and ammonium paratungstate are converted into metal powder, carbide and chemicals, and about 60% of US consumption goes into cemented carbide parts. In 2025 China produced an estimated 67,000 t, 79% of world mine production (USGS world total: 85,000 t), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
$380/dmtu
tungsten concentrate, average in-warehouse Rotterdam in 2025 (+51% on 2024)
Which countries produce tungsten?
| Country | 2024 | 2025 (estimate) | Share of 2025 world | Reserves (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 67,000 | 67,000 | 79% | 2,500,000 |
| Vietnam | 3,400 | 3,000 | 3.5% | 170,000 |
| Kazakhstan | None | 2,400 | 2.8% | NA |
| Korea, North | 1,900 | 2,000 | 2.3% | 29,000 |
| Russia | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2.3% | 400,000 |
| Bolivia | 1,700 | 1,700 | 2% | NA |
| Rwanda | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1.5% | NA |
| Australia | 920 | 1,000 | 1.2% | 570,000 |
| United States | None | None | - | NA |
| All other countries | 3,890 | 4,740 | 5.6% | 1,029,400 |
| World total (USGS, rounded) | 82,000 | 85,000 | 100% | >4,700,000 |
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Tungsten. Shares are calculated from the country figures and can differ by a point or two from percentages USGS states in its text, because USGS rounds its figures. NA means not available; Withheld means USGS withheld the figure to avoid disclosing company data.
How is tungsten mined and processed?
- Seven US companies can convert tungsten concentrates, ammonium paratungstate (APT), tungsten oxide or scrap into tungsten metal powder, tungsten carbide powder or tungsten chemicals.
- Tungsten has not been mined commercially in the United States since 2015.
- China is the leading producer, importer and consumer of tungsten concentrates. World mine production rose in 2025, especially from the start of production at the Boguty deposit in Kazakhstan.
- Tungsten concentrate and ammonium paratungstate are priced separately: USGS reports Rotterdam prices rose in 2025 from $266 to $551 per metric ton unit for 65% concentrate and from $331 to $675 for APT.
Resources. World tungsten resources are geographically widespread, with significant resources on every continent except Antarctica. China ranked first in tungsten resources and reserves. Tungsten has not been mined commercially in the United States since 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Which country produces the most tungsten?
China produces the most tungsten: an estimated 67,000 t, or 79% of the world total, in 2025, according to the USGS mine production figures.
What is tungsten used for?
Tungsten is used in cemented carbide parts, alloys and specialty steels and electrical, electronic, heating, lighting and welding components. Cemented carbide parts: an estimated 60% of US consumption, for cutting and wear-resistant applications in construction, metalworking, mining and oil and gas drilling.
Is tungsten a critical mineral?
Yes. Tungsten is on all four official critical minerals lists: the US, EU, Australian and Canadian. Tungsten was already on the 2022 US list and stays on the final 2025 list of 60 minerals. US net import reliance for tungsten in 2025 was more than 50%.
Can tungsten be recycled?
USGS withheld the amount of secondary tungsten produced and consumed in 2025 to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.
Sources
Read on October 13, 2026. Figures on this page come from these documents; where a number is an estimate, the source says so.
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Tungsten. Production, reserves, uses, substitutes, recycling and events
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: introduction (Table 7 and Figures 10A and 10B). Net import reliance, leading producer and price changes for critical minerals
- Federal Register: Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
- Department of Industry, Science and Resources: Australia’s Critical Minerals List and Strategic Materials List
- Government of Canada: Canada’s critical minerals
- Xiamen Tungsten: 2025 annual report, in Chinese (24 April 2026)
- Jiaxin International Resources Investment: 2025 annual report (HKEXnews, 27 April 2026)
- Kennametal, Form 10-K for the year to June 2026 (filed 12 August 2026)
- Almonty Industries: Sangdong page
- Guardian Metal Resources: company website
- Fireweed Metals: news release of 13 December 2024
- Northcliff Resources: news release of 1 May 2025
Related topics
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The companies page for tungsten.
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The projects page for tungsten.
Tungsten substitutes
The substitutes page for tungsten.
China profile
Production, policy and projects in China.
Critical Minerals Lists Compared
The US, EU, Australian and Canadian lists side by side.
