South Korea’s historic Sangdong tungsten mine has officially resumed production after remaining dormant for nearly 30 years, marking a significant milestone in the global critical minerals sector. The revival of the mine is expected to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on dominant producers.
Located in Gangwon Province, the Sangdong mine was once one of the world’s largest tungsten producers before operations were halted in the 1990s due to falling prices and changing market dynamics. Its reopening comes at a time when demand for tungsten—a key material used in electronics, defense, and industrial applications—is steadily rising.
The project has been redeveloped with modern mining technologies and significant investment, led by Almonty Industries. The company aims to position Sangdong as a major non-Chinese source of tungsten, addressing global concerns over supply concentration.
South Korean authorities have welcomed the restart, highlighting its importance for economic growth, job creation, and resource security. The move also aligns with broader efforts by countries to secure stable access to critical minerals essential for advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.
Industry experts believe the Sangdong mine’s return could play a pivotal role in diversifying the global tungsten supply while reinforcing South Korea’s position in the strategic minerals landscape.