South Korea Tungsten Mine Restart Draws US, Japan Interest Amid Supply Chain Security Push

B910化工消息：7 Yue 3 Ri Xiao Xi, South Korea's Sangdong tungsten mine in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, is drawing significant attention from both the United States and Japan. The mine hosts one of the world's largest tungsten deposits, and tungsten is an indispensable critical mineral for semiconductor manufacturing, cutting tools, and defense equipment. According to BusinessKorea, the US has expressed interest in the project through official channels and has incorporated tungsten into its critical mineral supply chain diversification strategy. The Japanese government has similarly shown strong interest in the Sangdong mine, viewing it as contributing to a more stable tungsten supply system. Almonty Korea, a subsidiary of Korea Aluminum Corporation's affiliate, is advancing the mine development. Under current plans, the Sangdong mine will begin commercial production in 2028, with estimated annual output of approximately 4,000 tonnes of tungsten concentrate, making it one of the world's major tungsten supply sources. Currently, global tungsten supply is highly concentrated, with China accounting for over 80% of total output. As US-China trade frictions intensify and countries place greater emphasis on supply chain security, the strategic value of the Sangdong mine has increased further. The Korean government is actively supporting the project, positioning it as a key component of its national critical minerals strategy. Industry insiders note that the Sangdong mine restart will not only improve South Korea's position in the critical minerals sector but also provide a new platform for trilateral supply chain cooperation among the US, Japan, and Korea. （来源：BusinessKorea）