China Tungsten Industry
China is one of the leading producers of tungsten, the worlds heaviest metal, in the world. Tungsten is widely used for various industrial purposes, including for carbide cutting tools, wear-resistant components and armor-piercing ammunition. In China, the production and consumption of tungsten metal have been increasing sharply over the past few years. This article looks at the China tungsten industry and the application of tungsten in various industries.
Tungsten metal is mined and processed in the form of concentrates, which are composed of tungsten trioxide (WO3) ore, that is further processed into tungsten carbide. China is the worlds largest producer of tungsten metal, accounting for around 55 percent of the worlds production. The main mines located in China are located in Hunan and Guangdong, while major processing plants are located in Zhongyuan, Hubei province and Baotou, Inner Mongolia province.
China is the most important component of the global tungsten market, and management of the industry is in the control of the State Council of China. Since 2005, the Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce has implemented the State Economic Responsible for Tungsten Association (SERTA) who are responsible for the coordination, communication, and decision-making within the Chinese tungsten industry. The SERTA sets the global Chinese tungsten pricing, which is based on the global demand, while ensuring a steady supply of tungsten to the global market.
The Chinese government also regulates the production, export and import of tungsten. The Chinese administration issued a regulation strictly controlling tungsten production, export and import in 2020, which came into effect in 2021. The regulations mainly covered the tungsten ore, tungsten concentrates and tungsten carbide produced in China. The objectives of the new regulations are to encourage the organized and scientific development of the China tungsten industry, to guide rational investment, optimize the resources layout, and intangibly restrain the disorderly competition in the Chinese tungsten industry.
China has the worlds largest reserves of tungsten, accounting for a large share of the global tungsten market. This is a major source of strength for the Chinese tungsten industry. The refractory and corrosion-resistant nature of tungsten and its durability makes it highly sought-after in the global market and is used in numerous applications across several industries including in the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and medical industries.
The aerospace industry uses tungsten in high-tech airframes, aircraft parts and rockets, as it is lightweight and highly resistant to extreme heat and shock. In the automotive industry, tungsten is used in alloy steels, anti-friction components and steering elements. In the manufacturing industry, tungsten is used in high-performance cutting tools, machine tools and precision manufacturing equipment. In the medical field, tungsten is used in radiation therapy and other medical instruments.
With increasing demand for tungsten from various industries, the Chinese tungsten industry is expected to continue to grow in the future. The Chinese administration is also expected to provide support for the industry, allowing for further development and growth opportunities. As a key producer of tungsten, China is sure to remain a leader in the global tungsten market for years to come.