What makes tungsten a highly soughter-after mineral?

The price of tungsten, a mineral used in drilling equipment, weaponry, electronics and aerospace parts, continues to increase. In late April, Reuters reported that prices of ammonium paratungstate (APT), an intermediate used to produce tungsten metal, were above $3,000 per metric ton up more than 200% since the start of the year. This comes as China, which produces about 80 per cent of global tungsten demand, has announced export restrictions on the mineral. The US, which has no active tungsten mines, announced a ban on Chinese, Russian, Iranian and North Korean tungsten for military applications, which takes effect on January 1, 2027. This has made importers look to other suppliers. ALSO READ: Rwanda now supplies 20% of US tungsten demand Trinity Metals, Rwanda’s largest mining company, said exports from its Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine now account for up to 20 per cent of the United States’ monthly consumption of primary tungsten concentrate. The company said on June 17 that more than 320 tonnes of high-grade tungsten concentrate had been shipped from Rwanda to the US since August 2025 when its offtake partner Traxys entered a commercial supply arrangement with US-based Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP). ALSO READ: In a first, Rwandan mining company supplies tungsten to US In this article, The New Times looks at the key uses of tungsten. 1. Cutting and drilling tools Tungsten is used in cutting tools, drills, and mining equipment because of its exceptional hardness and resistance to wear. 2. Construction equipment It is used in heavy-duty tools and machinery applied in the construction industry. 3. Lighting and welding Tungsten is used as a filament material in light bulbs because of its extremely high melting point. The mineral is essential in welding electrodes because it can withstand extremely high temperatures. 4. Industrial furnaces and electrical contacts Tungsten is used in components for industrial processes that require exposure to very high temperatures. ALSO READ: Trinity Metals plans $100m investment in Rwanda mineral operations It provides durable and reliable electrical connections in various devices. 5. Semiconductors and electronics Tungsten is incorporated into electronic components because of its excellent electrical and thermal properties. The rapid development of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, and other emerging high-tech industries has created new growth opportunities for tungsten demand and become an important driver of rising tungsten prices in 2026. 6. Armour and ballistics Demand for tungsten is increasing due to growing military and defence requirements. The mineral is used in military projectiles and protective systems because of its high density and strength. ALSO READ: Trinity Metals launches deep drilling at Nyakabingo mine Because of its high hardness and melting point, tungsten plays an important role in defence applications. Whether in aviation equipment such as helicopters and fighter jets or ground systems such as armour-piercing bullets and armoured vehicles, tungsten materials are widely used. Demand for tungsten in the US is growing rapidly for both defence and industrial applications. 7. Aerospace components Tungsten is also used in aerospace components, including counterweights and other parts exposed to high stress. 8. Radiation shielding and x-ray tubes It is used in medical equipment and other applications requiring protection from radiation. Tungsten also serves as a target material in x-ray tubes, which doctors use to produce images of the inside of the body. 9. Automotive manufacturing Tungsten is found in engine components and turbochargers. It helps make engine parts stronger and able to operate under extremely high temperatures. Tungsten is also used in the production of batteries for new energy vehicles, where it can improve energy density and battery lifespan. It also has applications in components such as drive motors and battery separators. 10. Jewellery and watches Tungsten is used to make scratch-resistant rings and watch components because of its exceptional hardness.

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What makes tungsten a highly soughter-after mineral?