Guardian Metal and Montana Mining Association Launch Tungsten Pilot
Guardian Metal Resources plc partnered with the Montana Mining Association to create a domestic tungsten supply chain for U.S. defense applications.
Guardian Metal Resources plc entered into a strategic partnership with the Montana Mining Association to launch a tungsten mining and recovery pilot program. The initiative, which includes the Army Research Laboratory and Montana Technological University, seeks to establish a domestic mine-to-market supply chain for tungsten metal powder to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources.
As part of the program, Guardian Metal will provide 250-400 tonnes of stockpiled legacy ore from its Tempiute project in Nevada. This material will be transported to Philipsburg, Montana, for trial processing. Following metallurgical tests conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom, first shipments are expected by late summer 2026.
The project focuses on upscaling historical mine tailings and legacy stockpiles to support national defense and industrial capabilities. The partners intend to demonstrate the ability to establish a broader network of critical minerals projects across the Mountain West to enhance national security.