In the remote eastern mountains of South Korea, a decades-old mining project is being revived to address a major vulnerability in the United States’ defense supply chain. The Sangdong mine, home to one of the world’s largest deposits of tungsten, is preparing to resume operations after more than 30 years of dormancy. This revitalized source is expected to provide the U.S. with a steady supply of a “war metal” that is currently dominated by Chinese production.
Why It Matters
Tungsten is a critical mineral known for its extraordinary density and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Its unique properties make it indispensable for national security; it is a primary component in armor-piercing ammunition, bunker-busting bombs, fighter jets, tanks, and the guidance systems for artificial intelligence-driven missiles. By securing a reliable supply from a strategic ally like South Korea, the U.S. aims to reduce its dependence on China, which currently controls the vast majority of the global rare earths and critical minerals market.
What to Know
The Sangdong mine was forced to close in the 1990s when Chinese producers began pricing other international competitors out of the market. Now, under the management of Almonty Industries, the facility is undergoing a massive technological overhaul. Once fully operational in the new year, the Sangdong mine is projected to produce 1.2 million tons of ore annually.
The move follows a broader trend of the U.S. seeking mineral independence. This includes recent diplomatic efforts such as a minerals agreement with Ukraine, where the U.S. would provide financial or military aid in exchange for a share of future royalties from mineral and energy licenses. Additionally, regional partners are moving to bolster processing infrastructure, with companies like Korea Zinc exploring the construction of new smelters through joint ventures to ensure the minerals can be refined without relying on Chinese facilities.
What People are Saying
Lewis Black, the CEO of Almonty Industries, recently visited the White House to discuss the strategic importance of the mine. He emphasized that the current reliance on a single dominant supplier is no longer tenable for Western defense. “The U.S. is right to do this, there is no choice,” Black told reporters, noting that “the status quo cannot be returned to.” When questioned about the mine’s ability to satisfy the high demands of the American government, Black confirmed that the facility is prepared to support U.S. national security for decades to come.
What Happens Next
Production at the Sangdong site is expected to ramp up significantly over the next twelve months. Experts suggest that as the mine reaches its full capacity, it will serve as a cornerstone for a new, non-Chinese supply chain for tungsten. Meanwhile, the U.S. is expected to continue pursuing similar mineral security deals globally to ensure that the materials required for high-tech weaponry and green energy technology remain accessible during periods of geopolitical tension or trade disputes.
