Tungsten

An extremely hard, high-melting-point metal used in cutting tools and armour.

Definition

A dense, high-melting-point metal (W, atomic number 74) with critical applications in cutting tools, drill bits, defense applications, and high-temperature components. China produces >80% of global tungsten, making it a strategic critical mineral.

Why it matters

Like antimony, supply concentration rather than geology is the story. Tungsten has no good substitute in machining, which makes even modest supply disruption disproportionately disruptive.

See also

  • Antimony A critical mineral (Sb, atomic number 51) used in flame retardants, batteries, semiconductors, and ammunition.
  • Defense Metals Metals and minerals deemed essential for military and defense applications, including rare earths (for precisi
  • Critical Minerals Minerals deemed essential to economic security and supply chain resilience, particularly for clean energy, def

More metals & materials terms