The price of this raw material has skyrocketed following the war in the Middle East
Europe’s dependence on Chinese tungsten is pushing the EU to look toward Spanish reserves as the metal reaches record-high prices due to the war.
Tungsten, also known as wolfram, has become one of the most sought-after resources in today’s global landscape. Its market value has surged by a historic 520%, a spike driven by geopolitical tensions and the outbreak of war in the Middle East. The metal stands out for its exceptional density, hardness, and resistance to extreme heat, qualities that make it indispensable to both the technology and defense industries.
The main driver behind this price surge is China’s dominant position, as the country currently accounts for 79% of global production. The Chinese government has imposed strict restrictions on exports of the resource, significantly reducing global supply. This move highlights how Beijing is using its near-total control over the mineral as an effective geopolitical pressure tool amid escalating trade tensions with Donald Trump’s administration.
At the same time, supply constraints are being compounded by steadily rising demand, especially from the defense sector. Tungsten is an essential material in the production of high-strength projectiles, specialized ammunition, and key components for fighter aircraft. It is also critical to modern technology, where it is used in components for computers and mobile phones.
Spain’s role as an alternative supplier
Against this backdrop of instability, the European Union has classified tungsten as a “critical raw material” and launched initiatives to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. Brussels’ priority is to ensure a secure supply of these essential materials for European industry and the energy transition, placing Spain in a strategically important position because of its natural reserves.
Spain is currently one of the EU’s leading producers and holds significant reserves that could help revive the sector in the short to medium term. One of the most notable active projects is the Barruecopardo mine, located in Salamanca, which is considered one of the largest and most important tungsten mines in Europe. Other promising projects in Extremadura, Galicia, and Castilla-La Mancha could further boost domestic production in the years ahead.
Although the outlook is favorable, tungsten mining in Spain still faces several challenges, including environmental impact concerns and permitting processes that are often lengthy and difficult. Even so, the instability of the global market and the urgent need for Western countries to secure reliable supplies are creating an opportunity for Spain to become the major supplier Europe needs in order to reduce its dependence on China.
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