Tungsten

What it is

Tungsten is an extremely hard, dense metal used in cutting tools (tungsten carbide), drill bits, defence projectiles, and electrical contacts.

Why it matters

China holds around 80% of global mine output and dominates downstream tooling.

Circular challenges

Whether tungsten re-enters the economy at end-of-life is mostly settled at the design stage. These are the recurring blockers.

• Carbide recycling works — when collected

  Spent carbide inserts can be reclaimed via the zinc process, but only large industrial users separate and return them.

• Defence use is dispersive

  Munitions are consumed in use; the tungsten cannot be recovered.

• Tooling design

  Brazed and coated tools resist disassembly; loose inserts are easier to recycle.