Almonty Industries Inc. (TSX: AII, ASX: AII, OTCQX: ALMTF, FRA: ALI.F) has reached a crucial milestone in the redevelopment of its Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea. The company has successfully installed state-of-the-art grinding equipment from Metso Corporation, marking a significant step toward the mine’s full operational capacity and diversifying global tungsten supply away from China.
The Sangdong mine is poised to become one of the largest sources of tungsten outside of China, which currently dominates over 80% of the global tungsten market. With the installation of Metso’s semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill and ball mill, Almonty is enhancing its processing capabilities to meet stringent specifications for tungsten ore, thereby boosting the operational efficiency of this high-grade deposit.
Lewis Black, Chairman, President, and CEO of Almonty, expressed gratitude towards Metso for their expertise and commitment to delivering this critical engineering output. He emphasized that the collaboration would help reshape global supply dynamics for tungsten, an essential mineral used across various industries including defense and advanced manufacturing.
Metso is overseeing every aspect of the equipment installation, from site preparation to precise alignment and commissioning. The company is implementing rigorous safety protocols and adhering to both local and international mining standards to ensure a safe working environment. Notably, Metso’s focus on precision—limiting deviations to just 0.008 mm/m, will enhance operational stability and prolong the equipment’s lifespan.
The installation process also incorporates advanced technology and techniques designed to minimize disruptions and optimize performance. Metso emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough bolt tension tests and stress analyses throughout the installation phases, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
As global demand for tungsten continues to rise, Almonty’s efforts at Sangdong are critical in establishing a stable and independent supply chain. The mine’s potential life spans an impressive 90 years, with plans to ramp up production significantly following its commissioning by the end of 2024. Initial production is expected to average 2.3 million tonnes of tungsten oxide annually, with future expansions aimed at doubling this output.
Black highlighted that this milestone not only underscores Almonty’s commitment to responsible mining practices but also reflects its strategic vision for meeting international demand while reducing reliance on Chinese exports.
The successful installation of Metso’s advanced equipment marks a significant advancement in the project’s timeline and operational readiness. Almonty also continues to develop its projects in Spain and Portugal alongside Sangdong. This strategic initiative not only enhances Almonty’s operational capabilities but also contributes to building diversified critical mineral supply chains essential for various high-demand industries worldwide.
