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This table presents data on global tungsten concentrate production by country or locality, measured in metric tons of tungsten content from 2017 through 2021. This information is critical for understanding the supply dynamics of tungsten, a strategic metal widely used in manufacturing hard metals, electronics, and military applications due to its high melting point and density. Tracking production volumes helps stakeholders assess market trends, identify leading producers, and evaluate potential supply risks that could impact industries reliant on tungsten.
Analysis of the data reveals that China remains the dominant producer, consistently outputting around 67,000 to 71,000 metric tons annually, accounting for the vast majority of global production. Notably, Australia experienced a significant increase from 20 metric tons in 2019 to 130 metric tons in 2021, indicating expanding capacity or new operations. Bolivia also showed strong growth, rising from 994 metric tons in 2017 to 1,563 metric tons in 2021. Conversely, North Korea’s production sharply declined from a peak of 1,410 metric tons in 2018 to just 50 metric tons in 2021. Overall, global tungsten concentrate production has gradually increased from 81,400 metric tons in 2017 to 83,800 metric tons in 2021, reflecting steady demand and ongoing mining activity worldwide.
| TABLE 15 | ||||||||||||
| TUNGSTEN: WORLD CONCENTRATE PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1 | ||||||||||||
| (Metric tons, tungsten content) | ||||||||||||
| Country or locality2 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||
| Australiae | 20 | 20 | 20 | 100 | 130 | |||||||
| Austria | 975 | 936 | 892 | 896 | r | 900 | e | |||||
| Bolivia3 | 994 | 1365 | 1064 | 1347 | 1563 | |||||||
| Brazil | 411 | 300 | r, e | 306 | r | 262 | r | 300 | e | |||
| Burmae, 4 | 216 | 138 | r | 68 | r | 73 | r | 60 | ||||
| Burundie, 5 | 120 | 92 | 130 | 140 | r | 100 | ||||||
| China | 67000 | 65000 | 69000 | e | 71000 | r, e | 71000 | e | ||||
| Congo (Kinshasa)e | 120 | 180 | 240 | r | 110 | 100 | ||||||
| Korea, Northe, 6 | 310 | 1410 | 1130 | 410 | 50 | |||||||
| Mongoliae, 3 | 520 | r | 430 | r | 370 | r | 33 | r | 120 | |||
| Nigeriae, 7 | 2 | 24 | 550 | r | 520 | r | 23 | |||||
| Portugal | 669 | 715 | 518 | 535 | r | 502 | ||||||
| Russia | 2144 | 2234 | 2433 | 2274 | r | 2300 | e | |||||
| Rwandae, 3 | 720 | 940 | r | 900 | 860 | 1340 | ||||||
| Spain | 564 | 856 | 414 | 238 | r | 400 | e | |||||
| Thailande, 8 | 65 | 69 | 25 | r | 65 | r | 70 | |||||
| Uganda | 62 | 188 | 145 | 11 | -- | e | ||||||
| United Kingdom | 1086 | 980 | r, e | -- | -- | -- | ||||||
| Vietnam9 | 5400 | 4800 | 4500 | 4225 | r | 4800 | ||||||
| Zimbabwe10 | NA | NA | -- | -- | -- | e | ||||||
| Total | 81400 | r | 80700 | 82700 | r | 83100 | r | 83800 | ||||
eEstimated. rRevised. NA Not available. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through November 14, 2022. All data are reported unless otherwise noted; totals may include estimated data. Totals and estimated data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2In addition to the countries and (or) localities listed, Colombia and Uzbekistan may have produced tungsten concentrates, but available information was inadequate to make reliable estimates of output.
3Production based on reported exports.
4Based on production reported by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Central Statistical Organization.
5Based on gross weight reported by the Burundi Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies.
6Production estimated based on imports reported by China.
7Production for 2017–19 estimated based on data from the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative; production for 2020–21 estimated based on reported imports from Nigeria.
8Based on data from the Department of Primary Industries and Mines.
9Source: International Tungsten Industry Association.
10Information was inadequate to make reliable estimates of output for 2017–18.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Tungsten statistics | Mineral commodity prices