Almonty Industries Advances Plans to Reestablish US Tungsten Production

Almonty Industries accelerates its Montana tungsten mine to meet new US defense rules, aiming to supply 40% of non-Chinese global demand and revive domestic production.

The United States has lacked domestic tungsten mining since 2015. Now, resource company Almonty Industries (DRC) is moving decisively to fill that void, accelerating development of its Gentung project in Montana. The firm recently reinforced its commitment to the American market by officially joining the Montana Mining Association.

A Strategic Response to Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

This expansion is strategically timed to align with new procurement rules from the US Department of Defense. Starting January 1, 2027, American defense contractors will be mandated to source their tungsten exclusively from non-Chinese suppliers. This policy shift creates an urgent need for Western alternatives, given that China, Russia, and North Korea collectively control an estimated 95% of the global supply.

Almonty’s long-term objective is to meet approximately 40% of the world's tungsten demand originating from outside China. The operational focus for 2026 in Montana will be on modernizing existing infrastructure. Full-scale production at Gentung is a medium-term goal, slated to commence only after operational readiness is firmly established at Almonty’s Sangdong mine in South Korea.

The Gentung Project: Cornerstone of the US Strategy

Acquired in November 2025, the Gentung property in Beaverhead County is central to the company's US ambitions. The site is estimated to hold 7.35 million tonnes of tungsten ore. Upon full development, the operation is projected to yield roughly 140,000 metric tonne units (MTU) of the critical metal annually. Commissioning of the North American facility is scheduled for the second half of 2026.

For the US, the project represents a significant step toward reviving a domestic production capability that ceased over a decade ago.

Building Local Partnerships for Success

Membership in the longstanding Montana Mining Association, founded in 1973, is intended to streamline Almonty’s engagement with local authorities. CEO Lewis Black emphasized that collaboration with policymakers is essential to expedite regulatory approvals, forge vital business partnerships, and attract a skilled workforce.

By integrating itself into the local mining community, Almonty aims to navigate the path to production more efficiently, positioning the Gentung project as a future keystone in a more secure, non-Chinese tungsten supply chain.