Almonty Industries has completed Phase 1 commissioning of the Sangdong Tungsten Mine in South Korea, marking its first production in over 30 years and setting the stage for a major expansion.
- Phase 1 commissioning completed with 640,000 tonnes ore processed annually
- Current output of approximately 2,300 tonnes of tungsten concentrate per year
- Phase 2 expansion planned for 2027 to double capacity and output
- Strategic move to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from China
- Sangdong poised to supply over 80% of global non-China tungsten production
Historic Mine Returns to Life
Almonty Industries has officially completed Phase 1 commissioning at its Sangdong Tungsten Mine in South Korea, marking a significant milestone as the mine returns to production after more than three decades of dormancy. Once one of the world’s largest tungsten producers, Sangdong had been shuttered since the early 1990s due to a prolonged slump in commodity prices. The revival of this site signals not only a commercial achievement but also a strategic pivot in the global critical minerals landscape.
Production and Expansion Plans
The newly commissioned processing plant is designed to handle approximately 640,000 tonnes of ore annually, yielding around 2,300 tonnes of tungsten concentrate each year. This initial phase lays the groundwork for a planned Phase 2 expansion slated for 2027, which aims to double processing capacity to 1.2 million tonnes of ore annually and increase tungsten output to roughly 4,600 tonnes per year. This expansion will be critical in meeting rising demand and further securing supply chains.
Strategic Importance Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Almonty’s CEO Lewis Black emphasised the broader geopolitical significance of the project, highlighting its role in reducing reliance on Chinese tungsten supplies. With the U.S. and its allies increasingly focused on securing critical minerals for defence and advanced technology sectors, Sangdong’s resurgence aligns with policies mandating non-China sourcing. The mine’s output is expected to represent over 80% of global non-China tungsten production once fully operational, positioning South Korea as a vital hub in the tungsten supply chain.
Technological and Operational Upgrades
The redevelopment of Sangdong has involved substantial investment exceeding $100 million, including the construction of a modern underground mining operation and a state-of-the-art processing plant equipped with advanced SAG and ball mills supplied by Metso. Approximately four kilometres of underground tunnels have been developed, supported by sophisticated operational monitoring systems designed to optimise throughput and efficiency as the mine transitions to full commercial production.
Looking Ahead: The Korean Trinity
Beyond tungsten, Almonty is advancing plans for a tungsten oxide facility and developing the adjacent Sangdong Molybdenum deposit. Together, these initiatives form what the company calls the 'Korean Trinity', a fully integrated strategic mineral value chain that could establish South Korea as a global centre for production, refining, and upgrading of critical minerals. This integrated approach is expected to further enhance resource security for the U.S. and allied nations amid evolving global supply dynamics.
Bottom Line?
With Phase 1 complete and Phase 2 on the horizon, Almonty’s Sangdong Mine is set to reshape tungsten supply amid shifting geopolitical tides.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Almonty manage operational risks as it scales up to Phase 2 capacity?
- What impact will Sangdong’s output have on global tungsten prices and supply chains?
- How quickly can the planned tungsten oxide facility and molybdenum deposit be developed?