China is the world’s leading tungsten producer and a dominant player in global tungsten supply chains. The concentration of global supply in China together with export controls and restrictions, have increased the importance of securing reliable and diversified sources of tungsten supply. Therefore tungsten is classified as a critical raw material (CRM) by the EU.
Because tungsten is used in durable industrial applications, it is also highly recoverable. Recycling already covers a meaningful share of global demand, helping ease pressure on primary sources. In some regions, recovery rates reach up to 60%.
Within Umicore’s Cobalt and Specialty Materials Business Unit, our tool materials activity reclaims material from end-of-life tools and production scrap through third party specialist partners, returning it directly to the manufacturing cycle. Additionally, due to established supplier relationships Umicore secures access to this critical metal.Â