[INTERVIEW] Korea's tungsten mine could help US cut reliance on China, Tungco CEO says

As the United States seeks to reduce its reliance on China for tungsten, a critical mineral used in semiconductors and defense systems, producers in allied nations such as Korea could help fill the supply gap, according to a Kentucky-based tungsten recycling executive. Cliff Nance, owner and CEO of Tungco, said “more production from trusted allies” could help the United States reduce its reliance on China, which dominates the global tungsten supply chain. He welcomed the prospect of the U.S. importing tungsten from the Sangdong mine in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, where Almonty Korea Tungsten Corp. (AKTC) completed production facilities in September. “Almonty’s Sangdong mine is a positive development for both Korea and the U.S.,” Nance said in an interview with The Korea Times. "Breaking China’s dominance of tungsten requires more production from trusted allies, and Korea can play an important role." According to the U.S. Geological Survey, China produces 67,000 of the 85,000 metric tons of tungsten mined globally each year. Seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies, Tun