Why in the news?

• Hindustan Zinc Limited received a license to explore Tungsten blocks in Andhra Pradesh and mine it.

Tungsten

• What is it?: Also called Wolfram, it is a rare, hard, high-density metal
• Global Distribution:
  • China has the largest reserves of Tungsten and they are the largest producer of Tungsten.
  • Russia, Vietnam and Bolivia are other top producers.
  • Tungsten is considered a critical mineral globally due to concentration of supply in China.
• Tungsten in India:
  • India has modest tungsten reserves.
  • Major deposits-
    • Rajasthan – Degana, Sirohi
    • Karnataka – Kolar belt
    • Maharashtra
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Himachal Pradesh
    • Tamil Nadu
  • Domestic production is very limited, making India heavily import-dependent.
• Strategic Importance of Tungsten:
  • Essential for defence production (armour-piercing shells, missile components).
  • Critical for aerospace, nuclear, and renewable energy industries.
  • Listed as a Critical Mineral by USA, EU and India
  • Supply disruption is a major concern due to China’s dominance.
• Major Uses of Tungsten:
  • Industrial & Engineering uses:
    • Tungsten carbide: One of the hardest known materials used as Cutting tools and Drilling bits
    • High-temperature alloys
    • Furnace components
    • Aerospace & turbine parts
  • Electronics
    • Filaments in electric bulbs, X-ray tubes
    • Heating elements
    • Semiconductor applications
  • Defence and Strategic Sectors:
    • Kinetic energy penetrators (armour-piercing ammunition)
    • Rocket nozzles
    • High-temperature shields
    • Military-grade alloys
  • Other Uses:
    • Sports equipment (darts, golf weights)
    • Radiation shielding
    • Catalysts & chemical applications