[INTERVIEW] Korea's tungsten mine could help US cut reliance on China, Tungco CEO says

In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Cliff Nance, the CEO of Tungco based in Kentucky, suggested that Korea's tungsten mine could help the United States decrease its dependence on China for the crucial mineral. China is the leading producer of tungsten, accounting for 67,000 metric tons out of the total 85,000 metric tons mined annually globally.

Tungco, along with its ally Almonty Korea Tungsten Corp., is optimistic about the potential of the Sangdong mine in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, where production facilities have been operational since September. Nance expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of importing tungsten from the Sangdong mine, stating that it would be beneficial for both Korea and the United States.

He emphasized that more production from trusted allies like Korea could play a significant role in reducing the United States' reliance on China, which currently dominates the global tungsten supply chain.