Strategic Move: Almonty Industries Joins Key Mining Association to Advance US Tungsten Supply

Almonty Industries joins the Montana Mining Association, a key step in its strategy to restart US tungsten production via the Gentung Project and reduce reliance on China.

A recent decision by Almonty Industries (DRC) to become a member of the Montana Mining Association (MMA) represents a calculated strategic play. While appearing routine, this membership is a foundational step in the company's broader initiative to reactivate a domestic US tungsten supply chain—a sector that has seen minimal activity for more than ten years.

A Multi-Pronged Production Strategy Takes Shape

The company's overarching ambition is to supply approximately 40% of the global tungsten demand originating from outside China. This goal is supported by a diversified operational footprint, with current assets in Portugal and Spain, and the recently commissioned ore processing plant at the Sangdong mine in South Korea. The planned Gentung Tungsten Project in Montana is positioned to become a crucial, geographically independent pillar in this network.

The Gentung Project: Cornerstone of US Ambitions

Central to the US strategy is the Gentung Tungsten Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, which Almonty Industries acquired in November 2025. The asset holds an estimated 7.35 million tonnes of tungsten ore. Upon full development, the site is projected to yield roughly 140,000 metric tonne units (MTU) of tungsten annually. This is significant for a nation that ceased its domestic tungsten production back in 2015.

CEO Lewis Black has framed the membership in the MMA—an organization boasting over 150 member companies—as an essential prerequisite for large-scale operations in the state. The affiliation is expected to streamline engagement with state-level regulatory frameworks, help attract local skilled labor, and foster potential business partnerships.

Favorable Market Conditions and Near-Term Focus

The company's strategic timing aligns with supportive market fundamentals. As of March 2026, the average spot price for Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) stood at around $2,250 per MTU. This price level is considered sufficient to support the economic viability of mining projects in higher-cost regions like the United States.

For the remainder of 2026, the immediate focus for the Montana venture will be on modernizing the necessary infrastructure. The commencement of actual tungsten production at Gentung remains a medium-term objective, following the establishment of operational readiness at Sangdong.