Global Tungsten Sources: Where Is Tungsten Most Commonly Found and Why It Matters

Tungsten’s prevalence across industries—from consumer electronics to military applications—has created a complex geopolitical supply landscape. With global output reaching 81,000 metric tons in 2024, understanding where tungsten is most commonly found reveals critical insights into resource concentration risks and emerging market dynamics.

The Tungsten Market Landscape: Production Surge and Strategic Implications

The tungsten sector is experiencing significant momentum. Market analysts project the industry will expand at an 8 percent compound annual growth rate through 2032, eventually reaching approximately US$9.49 billion. This growth trajectory reflects tungsten’s irreplaceable role in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure, and defense systems.

Geographically, tungsten extraction remains highly concentrated. The 2024 data shows a telling distribution: one nation dominates production by an overwhelming margin, while emerging suppliers from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Oceania are gradually reshaping global trade patterns.

Asia-Pacific Dominance: The Production Powerhouse

China’s Market Stranglehold

When analyzing where tungsten is most commonly found, the answer points overwhelmingly to China. The Asian nation extracted 67,000 metric tons in 2024, representing more than 80 percent of worldwide output—a margin that dwarfs all other producers combined. China maintains reserves of 2.4 million metric tons, underscoring its long-term resource advantage.

However, Beijing has been tightening its grip on this strategic metal. Mining and export licensing restrictions, production quotas on concentrate, and environmental compliance measures have all constrained output growth. The situation intensified in February 2025 when China imposed strict export controls on tungsten following US tariff actions, signaling that resource nationalism may reshape supply chains in coming years.

Vietnam and the Low-Cost Alternative

Vietnam emerged as the second-largest source, producing 3,400 metric tons in 2024. The privately managed Nui Phao mine, operated under Masan Resources, stands as the highest-volume operation outside China and maintains some of the industry’s most competitive production costs. Vietnam’s strategic position—capturing 8 percent of American tungsten imports—reflects growing diversification efforts among Western buyers seeking to reduce China dependency.

Eastern Europe and Unconventional Suppliers

Russia’s Strained Production

Russia generated 2,000 metric tons, maintaining historical output levels despite significant headwinds. The Tyrnyauz facility represents one of the world’s premier tungsten deposits, yet international sanctions stemming from the Ukraine conflict have severely restricted market access. Paradoxically, wartime demand for military-grade tungsten has supported pricing even as Russian export channels face restrictions.

North Korea’s Overlooked Export

North Korea contributed 1,700 metric tons, positioning it as a material source on the global production map. The Mannyŏn mine in North Hwanghae province supplies primarily to Chinese buyers, with tungsten representing the nation’s third-highest export commodity by value at nearly US$26 million annually in 2023. Notably, tungsten remains one of the few commodities exempt from UN trade sanctions, creating a unique economic niche.

Latin American and African Expansion

Bolivia’s Rapid Ascent

Bolivia produced 1,600 metric tons in 2024, reflecting deliberate government efforts to develop its tungsten sector since 2014. State-owned enterprise Comibol shapes industry structure, and the nation now supplies 8 percent of US tungsten requirements—a significant foothold for a relatively new market entrant.

Rwanda: The Conflict-Free Commodity Paradox

Rwanda generated 1,200 metric tons in 2024, operating within a complex framework around conflict minerals governance. The nation has positioned itself as a certified source of ethically-sourced tungsten, accounting for 31 percent of global tungsten trade in 2022. Trinity Metals operates the Nyakabingo facility and counts UK-based Techmet as its principal stakeholder, both entities working to establish transparent supply chains.

Emerging Growth Markets: Australia and Europe

Australia’s Explosive Expansion

Australia’s production more than doubled in 2024, reaching 1,000 metric tons—a 130 percent surge from 2023 levels. This jump elevated the nation from ninth place to seventh globally. Multiple operations now contribute to this output: EQ Resources operates Mount Carbine in Queensland, while Tasmania-based Group 6 Metals reactivated the Dolphin mine in 2023. The Thor Energy-Investigator Resources joint venture at Molyhil promises additional capacity upon completion of its feasibility assessment in early 2025. Australia maintains substantial reserves at 570,000 metric tons, suggesting long-term production potential.

European Producers: Quality Over Quantity

Austria contributed 800 metric tons, primarily from Wolfram’s Mittersill operation in Salzburg—Europe’s richest tungsten deposit. Spain produced 700 metric tons, with EQ Resources controlling the upgraded Barruecopardo operation acquired through Saloro. Portugal rounded out the top 10 with 500 metric tons, sourced principally from Almonty Industries’ Panasqueira mine, which maintains industry-leading recovery rates averaging 80 percent.

Strategic Outlook: Rebalancing Supply Chains

The 2024 production data reveals where tungsten is most commonly found, but it also highlights structural vulnerabilities. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, export restrictions from major suppliers, and rising environmental standards are reshaping investment and sourcing strategies. Expect accelerating capacity development in politically stable jurisdictions, particularly Australia, as multinational buyers prioritize supply chain resilience over pure cost optimization.