Ali Haji of American Tungsten Corp. To Speak on Restoring Domestic Tungsten Supply Amid Growing National Security Concerns

Key Takeaways

• American Tungsten aims to start production by year‑end 2026
• China currently supplies over 80% of global tungsten
• CMI Summit gathers policymakers, investors, and miners on critical minerals
• IMA Mine in Idaho holds historic underground tungsten resources
• U.S. defense and aerospace sectors need secure domestic tungsten

Pulse Analysis

Tungsten’s role as a high‑temperature, high‑strength metal makes it indispensable for aerospace engines, missile components, and semiconductor equipment. Yet more than four‑fifths of the world’s supply flows from China, leaving Western defense and manufacturing sectors exposed to geopolitical risk and inventory shortages. Recent policy briefs have flagged tungsten as a “critical mineral” whose supply chain resilience is now a national security priority, prompting governments to incentivize domestic production and diversify sources.

American Tungsten Corp. is betting on the IMA Mine in Idaho, a historic underground operation with proven ore grades and existing infrastructure. The company holds an exclusive option to acquire full ownership of the property, subject to a modest 2% royalty, and has expanded its footprint with nearly 2,000 acres of federal claims. By targeting commercial output before year‑end 2026, the firm aims to deliver a near‑term, low‑cost supply of tungsten that can be integrated into U.S. defense contracts and aerospace supply chains, while also attracting capital from investors focused on critical‑minerals exposure.

The broader industry conversation is converging at events like the Critical Minerals Institute Summit 5, where policymakers, financiers, and miners discuss supply‑chain reforms, financing mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. As governments draft strategic mineral policies and allocate funding for domestic projects, companies that can demonstrate a credible path from exploration to production—like American Tungsten—are poised to capture early market share. The outcome will shape not only the economics of tungsten but also the resilience of the entire high‑tech manufacturing ecosystem in North America.