TUNGSTEN / US DEFENCE: ADVANCING NORTH AMERICA'S SUPPLY CHAINS
Tungsten, due to its unique properties, holds immense importance in various industries including Defence, Electronics, Automotive, and the Aerospace sectors.
It is important to note that China dominates global tungsten production, accounting for over 80% of the world's mined tungsten This gives China significant control over global tungsten supply and pricing.
The United States recognizes Tungsten's attributes: density, hardness, and heat resistance, which make it ideal for producing a range of munitions and considers it a core resource for national security. "Tungsten is used in a diverse set of DoD systems and is essential to national security." The U.S. currently has no domestic tungsten mines in operation, relying heavily on imports and recycling to meet its tungsten needs.
Canada, with substantial Tungsten reserves of about 290,000 tonnes, is a key player and the Governments of Canada and the United States recently announced a joint investment in the Yukon's Mactung mine which explores and produces Tungsten.
It's
one of the largest undeveloped high-grade tungsten deposits in the world. In
December 2024, Canada pledged up to C$12.9 million (approximately $9.2 million
USD), and the U.S. Department of Defense committed $15.8 million USD, totaling
roughly $25 million USD combined aimed at pre-development activities to advance
the project toward a final investment decision.
The
list of activities include 250 kilometres of road development, transmission
line upgrades, and feasibility studies crucial to the success of the mining
project.
These investments magnify their strategic commitment to harnessing resource-rich North America.
Mactung mine is owned by Fireweed Metals Corp., which is known for acquiring and exploring various mineral assets across Canada. The company specifically targets zinc, lead, and silver deposits. The project is on the border between the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, within the traditional territories of the Kaska and the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun.
As overseas reliance on tungsten supplies presents a critical material risk; securing North American supply chains will decisively mitigate this vulnerability.
This
investment underscores an important step towards securing North America's resilient, self-reliant tungsten supply. It also highlights the broader
significance of ongoing and future U.S. investments in Canada's Critical
Mineral mining. to further enhance supply chains.
The commitment from December 2024 likely still stands as of now, with no evidence of cancellation. Canada’s C$12.9 million pledge remains intact, and the U.S. DoD’s $15.8 million appears to be proceeding under existing agreements. However, the Trump administration’s ultimate stance could evolve depending on its strategic priorities, budget reviews, or geopolitical developments (e.g., tensions with China). For now, the project’s pre-development phase seems on track, but vigilance is warranted as the administration settles in.
By partnering with its reliable Canadian neighbor the US can further ensure supply chain security, fostering stability and self-sufficiency in other essential mineral resources.
For information purposes only.
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