For nearly a decade, the United States has mined no tungsten of its own, leaving a quiet but consequential gap in the foundation of its industrial and military capacity. This summer, American researchers traveled to a dormant mine in South Korea — one that may soon supply half the world's non-Chinese tungsten — to ask a question that nations rarely confront until it is urgent: where does the material that holds civilization together actually come from? The visit marks a moment when the abstraction of supply chain vulnerability becomes a concrete diplomatic and geological reckoning.
CNBC
· Aug 28, 2024
· economy
· 1 min read
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Sourcing: Verified
U.S. Researchers Assess Korean Tungsten Mine as Critical Minerals Competition With China Intensifies
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Business
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Bias & Framing
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Geopolitical Impact
🌎
U.S. researchers assess South Korean tungsten mine to diversify critical mineral supply away from China's 80% global dominance, signaling strategic competition in rare materials.
Escalation Risk
moderate
Confidence
HIGH
United States
South Korea
China
Canada
Germany
Global supply chains
U.S. and allies seek to reduce dependency on Chinese critical minerals through alternative sourcing and production partnerships. China's dominance in tungsten supply (80%) represents significant leverage in tech and defense sectors. South Korea positions itself as alternative supplier, strengthening U.S.-South Korea alliance while challenging Chinese economic influence.
Similar to Cold War-era resource competition and recent semiconductor supply chain diversification efforts following COVID-19 disruptions and U.S.-China tensions.
Economic Lens
📈
U.S. researchers assess South Korean tungsten mine to diversify critical mineral supply away from China's 80% market dominance, signaling strategic efforts to reduce geopolitical supply chain vulnerability.
Market Signal
bullish
Confidence
HIGH
Mining and mineral extraction
Defense and aerospace
Semiconductor manufacturing
Industrial machinery and tools
Geopolitics and trade
Potential long-term benefits through reduced supply chain risks and price volatility for tungsten-dependent products (electronics, tools, weapons systems); near-term costs may increase as alternative sources develop and compete with Chinese dominance.
Likely increased U.S. government investment in critical minerals infrastructure, potential trade agreements with South Korea and allies, possible tariffs or restrictions on Chinese mineral exports, and regulatory support for domestic mining revival.