South Korea's tungsten mine revival seeks China-free supply chain
South Korea is reviving a tungsten mine in a bid to reduce its dependence on China, according to Nikkei Asia. The goal is to diversify the supply chain for a metal that is critical to industry and defence. The move comes as competition over critical minerals grows.
South Korea aims to reduce its supply dependence on China by reviving a long-dormant tungsten mine. According to Nikkei Asia, the project is part of the country's strategy to strengthen its critical-mineral security.
Tungsten is prized for its hardness and high melting point, and is used across a wide range of applications, from cutting tools and electronic components to aerospace and the defence industry. For many years, much of the global tungsten supply has been met by China.
Analysts say reopening the mine would give South Korea the ability to produce from its own resources. They caution, however, that domestic output may cost more than imports, and that stable prices will be needed for the project to remain commercially viable over the long term.
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