Our Commodities

Tungsten

Tungsten is the hardest of all metals being three times harder than chromium, cobalt and titanium. It has the highest melting temperature of all metals and the second highest of all elements. It also has high resistance to corrosion, has moderate electrical conductivity, and is considered environmentally friendly.

The applications for tungsten are reasonably diverse, and spread across a number of basic industries including:

  • Hard Metals: Inserts and tools; rods and drills; wear parts and dies; heavy-duty mining and construction
  • Mill Products: Welding, sports, medical, aerospace and electronic contacts; lighting; military
  • Steel and Special Alloys: Tool steels; high speed steel; super alloys,
  • Chemical: Catalytic; pigments
  • Surface Treatments:Surface treatment – high abrasion resistant surfaces.
    Thermal sprays - extrusion dies, aircraft landing

Market

Tungsten production is dominated by China, with some 80% of global primary production in 2005. However, Chinese mines exploiting rich deposits are approaching exhaustion in many areas of the country. Furthermore, like with molybdenum, China is shifting from exporter to importer. Global demand rose from 45,100tW in 2002 to 60,500tW in 2005, an average of 10% per year. Demand for tungsten is forecast to grow by an average 3% per year to 2010, when it will reach 68,250t.