Almonty Tungsten Oxide Supply for US Defense Strengthens Critical Mineral Chain

Tungsten Parts Wyoming

Strategic Agreement Secures Domestic Defense Supply

Almonty Industries has signed a binding deal to supply tungsten oxide for US defense programs through Tungsten Parts Wyoming (TPW). The agreement ensures a monthly minimum of 40t of tungsten oxide for three years, reinforcing North America's critical mineral security. The agreement includes a hard price floor and automatic annual renewal, though pricing details remain undisclosed.

Multi-National Processing and Supply Chain

TPW will send the tungsten oxide to Metal Tech, an Israeli processor, for conversion into tungsten metal powder. Processing will occur in Israel or the US, after which the powder will feed into TPW’s products used in US military programs. These include tungsten super shot, blasting media, and specialized components for defense-grade applications.

Sandong Mine to Anchor Long-Term Supply

Tungsten oxide deliveries will begin once Almonty launches commercial-scale output from its Sandong mine in South Korea. The mine targets 2.3mn t/yr of oxide in its first phase, with nearly half committed to US-based Global Tungsten & Powders. Almonty also signed an offtake agreement with South Korea’s SeAH for all molybdenum output from the same project.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal marks a critical step toward onshoring and diversifying tungsten supply chains for US defense. As geopolitical risks mount, multi-national processing and guaranteed offtakes offer essential redundancy and resilience.

Almonty tungsten plant funding accelerates Sangdong build and U.S. defense supply

Almonty

Almonty tungsten plant funding reached $90mn in its Nasdaq debut. Almonty tungsten plant funding will prioritize the Sangdong tungsten oxide facility. The company sold 20mn shares on 14 July. Meanwhile, proceeds will also support working capital.

Sangdong focus and defense offtake

The funding accelerates construction of the Sangdong tungsten oxide facility. Almonty holds a binding supply deal with Tungsten Parts Wyoming. The agreement targets domestic defense applications for tungsten oxide. Therefore, the project strengthens U.S. tungsten supply-chain resilience.

Market outlook and corporate positioning

Demand for tungsten in defense and technology is rising. As a result, offtake visibility and pricing stability could improve. The company is shifting its incorporation to the United States. Meanwhile, it operates projects in South Korea, Portugal, and Spain. Investors view Almonty tungsten plant funding as a lever to diversify supply.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Almonty’s equity raise ties capital to near-term processing capacity and long-term defense demand. Execution now depends on plant delivery, oxide qualification, and steady feedstock. Watch construction milestones and contract ramp with TPW.

EU Tungsten Prices Surge Amid Tight Supply and China Export Controls

EU Tungsten Scrap

Export Restrictions and Low Inventories Drive Up Tungsten Prices in Europe

European tungsten prices have surged to multi-year highs due to restricted supply, dwindling inventories, and newly imposed Chinese export controls. The Focus Keyphrase "EU tungsten prices" has gained attention from global buyers navigating a market reshaped by policy shifts and geopolitical uncertainty.

European tungsten concentrate prices are now $310–320/dmtu in Rotterdam warehouses, up from $260–270/dmtu in early January — the highest level since the index’s launch in 2017. This price rally stems from low inventories and tightening global supply, particularly as China has lowered its tungsten mining quota and extended export licensing to include more products.

Western Buyers Lock in Long-Term Contracts Amid Risk

Western buyers are responding to this supply disruption by securing multi-year offtake deals. According to Australia-based producer EQ Resources, these contracts often include large prepayments to hedge against delays in Chinese export licence approvals.

Meanwhile, the defense sector's growing demand for tungsten is driving further contract activity. Almonty Industries, for instance, has signed a multi-year agreement to supply tungsten oxide to U.S.-based TPW for military applications. These agreements underscore the metal's strategic importance and the urgency among buyers to secure long-term supply.

However, some traders question how long the upward momentum can last. While markets like Vietnam remain willing to pay premium prices, others find current rates difficult to accept.

APT Prices Rise as Chinese Controls Disrupt Market

The price of ammonium paratungstate (APT), a key tungsten intermediate, has also spiked. European APT prices now range between $395–405/dmtu, a 20% increase since January and the highest since 2013. China’s restrictions have further worsened European availability, leading to extremely low warehouse stock levels.

As a workaround, some buyers have started importing ammonium tungstate (ATM), which is not currently subject to export controls. Although ATM cannot be converted into oxide, it is usable in limited applications. Industry sources caution that ATM could be restricted if the trade environment worsens.

Adding to the cost pressure, concentrate payables have jumped to 80–85% of APT price, up from the typical 70%, reflecting the sharp increase in feedstock costs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

EU tungsten prices are being reshaped not just by market forces, but by geopolitics. With China tightening control over its critical minerals, Western buyers are being pushed into a new era of strategic procurement. As APT and concentrate prices continue to climb, Europe’s reliance on Chinese tungsten remains a vulnerability — one that may prompt diversification strategies and renewed investment in local supply chains.

Almonty Tungsten Revenue Stable at C$7.9 Million Despite US Relocation Costs

Almonty

Almonty tungsten revenue increased modestly by 1% to C$7.9 million in Q1 despite significant relocation expenses related to US incorporation. The Canadian tungsten miner's Almonty tungsten operations demonstrated resilience with mining income rising 24% to C$752,000, primarily driven by increased production at the Panasqueira mine in Portugal while managing substantial corporate restructuring costs.

Production Growth Offsets Corporate Restructuring Impact

Almonty tungsten mining operations delivered improved operational performance despite challenging circumstances. Income from mining activities increased 24% to C$752,000, reflecting enhanced production efficiency at the company's Portuguese Panasqueira facility. However, operating expenses more than doubled from C$4.3 million to C$9.5 million, primarily due to costs associated with the US incorporation process.

Meanwhile, the company reported a substantial C$34.6 million loss compared to C$3.8 million in 2024, largely attributed to non-cash losses from equity value changes during US incorporation. Almonty initiated this strategic relocation in January to enhance competitiveness in global tungsten and molybdenum markets, positioning itself closer to key North American defense contractors and technology companies.

Sangdong Project Drives Future Growth Expectations

However, Almonty tungsten prospects improve significantly with the approaching Sangdong project production in South Korea. The company secured a comprehensive offtake agreement in January, selling 100% of Sangdong Molybdenum project output to South Korean ferro-molybdenum producer SeAH. This strategic partnership provides guaranteed revenue streams and eliminates marketing risks for the high-grade molybdenum operation.

Therefore, the Sangdong facility represents a transformative asset for Almonty's production portfolio and revenue diversification strategy. South Korea's established metals processing infrastructure and SeAH's long-term commitment create optimal conditions for sustained project success. The molybdenum market's strong fundamentals support premium pricing for high-quality concentrate production.

Defense Applications Strengthen Market Position

Furthermore, Almonty secured critical defense sector contracts that demonstrate tungsten's strategic importance. The company signed a binding three-year agreement with Tungsten Parts Wyoming (TPW) to supply 40 metric tonnes monthly of tungsten oxide for defense applications. This contract provides stable revenue streams while supporting US national security supply chain objectives.

As a result, tungsten demand continues expanding in defense and technology sectors due to the metal's exceptional properties. Tungsten carbide applications in cutting tools leverage the material's high melting point and hardness for machining operations. Growing defense spending and advanced manufacturing requirements create sustained demand for reliable tungsten suppliers like Almonty.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Almonty's strategic US relocation, despite near-term costs, positions the company advantageously for North American defense and technology market access while the Sangdong project provides substantial production growth potential. The combination of established Portuguese operations, emerging South Korean molybdenum production, and secured US defense contracts creates a diversified revenue base supporting long-term tungsten market leadership.