Almonty’s Sangdong Mine Set to Supply 40% of Western Tungsten Demand as Phase 1 Production Begins
Phase 1 Production Reaches Key Milestone: Sangdong Returns After 30 Years
Almonty Industries has completed the first phase of its highly anticipated Sangdong Tungsten Mine in South Korea, restarting a site that once stood among the world’s largest tungsten producers. With modern facilities now operational, Sangdong marks its return after a three-decade pause—backed by more than $100 million in redevelopment investments since 2015. The mine’s processing plant is now poised to handle an annual 640,000 tonnes of ore, yielding around 2,300 tonnes of tungsten concentrate each year.
Targeting Supply Chain Security: Designed to Meet 40% of Western Demand
Once both Phase 1 and the forthcoming Phase 2 expansion are running as planned, Sangdong’s output is expected to double to nearly 4,600 tonnes of tungsten concentrate per year. This level of production would represent approximately 40% of annual demand for tungsten outside of China, a notable shift given that China currently accounts for about 88% of the world’s tungsten output. The Phase 2 expansion, slated for 2027, is designed to boost processing capacity to 1.2 million tonnes of ore annually.
| Phase | Processing Capacity (tonnes/yr) | Tungsten Output (tonnes/yr) | Est. Share of Western Market | Expected Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 640,000 | 2,300 | ~20% | 2024 |
| Phase 2 (Planned) | 1,200,000 | 4,600 | ~40% | 2027 |
High Grades and Long Life: Sangdong Is a Strategic Asset
With an ore grade of approximately 0.51% tungsten trioxide (WO3)—around three times the global average—Sangdong stands out not only for its size but also for its quality and mine life, projected to exceed 45 years. Advanced underground development and up-to-date processing facilities further support long-term, stable output.
Critical Minerals, Geopolitics, and Defense Readiness: Why Sangdong Matters Now
Tungsten is a vital material in the defense and advanced technology sectors, prized for applications in armor, munitions, and electronics. Recent moves by the U.S. to ban defense procurement from Chinese sources, coupled with China’s dominant position in tungsten supply, have heightened the importance of alternative sources. Almonty’s project directly addresses these vulnerabilities, aiming to ensure security of supply for the U.S. and allied markets.
Almonty’s Long-Term Strategy: Building a Global Tungsten Hub in Korea
Beyond Sangdong, Almonty is advancing initiatives that could establish South Korea as a strategic center for tungsten production and refinement. Plans include a tungsten oxide facility and potential development of the adjacent Sangdong Molybdenum deposit. Company management has described this multi-asset vision as the "Korean Trinity"—a fully integrated value chain serving the defense and technology sectors well into the future.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Industry Impact
A formal commissioning ceremony is scheduled for March 17, 2026, in South Korea, drawing attendees from government and international diplomatic circles. As the project progresses toward full commercial operations, industry observers will be watching closely. With global demand for critical minerals only expected to rise, Sangdong’s progress could reshape tungsten supply chains for years to come.
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