Conflict-Driven Tungsten Shortage Sparks UK Mining Revival

A military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered an unprecedented depletion of global tungsten stockpiles. The surge in demand is driven by the high consumption of kinetic interceptors, missiles, and armor-piercing munitions, with requirements increasing by 12% this year.

Supply pressures have intensified following actions by the Government of the People's Republic of China, which produces approximately 80% of the world's tungsten. In February 2026, China imposed export controls and reduced mining quotas, utilizing a state-led licensing regime to restrict supplies to a whitelist of authorized firms. These restrictions, combined with the fact that commercial mining in the United States ceased in 2015, have pushed prices to historic highs.

In response to these supply chain frictions, the United Kingdom is pursuing strategic opportunities to secure domestic resources. Current efforts focus on reviving mining projects at the Hemerdon mine in Devon and the Redmoor site in Cornwall, where high-grade tungsten deposits have been identified.