A UK government-backed tungsten mine plans to sell about a third of its production into the US military-industrial complex. Tungsten West, which secured £71mn from the UK government to revive a mine in Devon, will sell roughly one-third of its output to US group Elmet Technologies. The deal highlights the complexities of building non-Chinese supply chains for critical minerals essential to aerospace and military applications.

China dominates tungsten production and has imposed export restrictions, driving up global prices and squeezing supplies. Tungsten West announced the Elmet deal last week, exemplifying the escalating global competition for critical minerals vital to modern industries. Experts warn that Britain lacks the key metal-processing capabilities to keep the entire supply chain onshore, despite the strategic partnership.

The arrangement underscores the intricate logistics required to secure alternative sources for metals previously reliant on Chinese exports. As geopolitical tensions rise, such deals become pivotal for defence readiness and industrial autonomy. The mine's revival represents a significant step toward diversifying critical mineral sources away from dominant Asian supply chains.