What is Tungsten
Historically known as Wolfram, Tungsten is a transition metal of extraordinary physical resilience. Known for having the highest melting point of all elements (3,422°C) and a density comparable to gold, it is an irreplaceable building block for the world’s most demanding industrial, technological, and defense applications.
With over 80% of global production currently concentrated in a single region, Tungsten has shifted from a cyclical industrial commodity to a strategic lever of economic security. Recognised globally as a Critical Mineral, this status reflects its essential role in modern infrastructure and the extreme concentration of its global supply chain. The development of new, high-grade resources in stable mining jurisdictions is increasingly viewed as a priority for ensuring the continuity of the global high-tech and industrial sectors.
Read about Viking Mines’ USA Tungsten Projects.
Primary Uses of Tungsten
Hardmetals and Industrial Tooling
The majority of global tungsten is processed into Tungsten Carbide, a compound nearly as hard as diamond. This “Hardmetal” is the workhorse of global industry, used to manufacture high-performance cutting tools, drill bits for mining and oil exploration, and wear-resistant parts for heavy machinery. Without Tungsten Carbide, modern manufacturing and construction would effectively grind to a halt.
Defense & Aerospace
Tungsten’s high density and heat resistance make it a cornerstone of modern defense. It is used in kinetic energy penetrators, armour-plating, and specialised munitions. In aerospace, its ability to maintain structural integrity under intense thermal stress is vital for rocket engine nozzles, turbine blades, and high-performance alloys used in deep-space exploration.
Semiconductors and High-Tech Electronics
As the semiconductor industry pushes toward smaller, faster chips for AI and high-performance computing, Tungsten has become essential. Its high conductivity and thermal stability make it the material of choice for “contacts” and “interconnects” within advanced integrated circuits, ensuring reliability in the hardware that powers the digital economy.
The Green Energy Transition
Tungsten is playing an increasing role in the shift toward a sustainable future. It is utilised in the manufacturing of high-strength components for wind turbines, as a barrier layer in thin-film solar cells, and in specialised alloys for the next generation of nuclear and solar thermal energy plants.
Specialised Alloys & Superalloys
When alloyed with other metals, Tungsten creates materials with superior “creep resistance”, the ability to withstand deformation under long-term mechanical stress at high temperatures. These superalloys are critical for the efficiency of modern jet engines and high-efficiency power generation.
