How Rare is Tungsten?
Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a relatively rare metal that has a wide range of industrial and military applications due to its unique properties, including having the highest melting point of all metals. But just how rare is tungsten? Let‘s take a closer look.
Tungsten Statistics
- Tungsten ranks at #74 on the list of most abundant elements in the Earth‘s crust.
- The estimated abundance of tungsten in the crust is around 1.5 parts per million, or about 1.5 grams per ton of rock. This makes it over 10 times more rare than copper.
- Tungsten is thought to make up about 1 ppm of the Earth‘s mantle.
- Total global tungsten reserves are estimated at around 3.5 million metric tons.
- China accounts for over 80% of global tungsten mine production. Other major producers include Russia, Canada, Bolivia, Austria and Portugal.
So in comparison to other metals like iron, aluminum, and copper, tungsten is relatively scarce in the Earth‘s crust. It‘s considered a "critical" or "strategic" metal by many nations due to its rarity and importance in industries like aerospace, defense, machinery, and more.
How Tungsten Compares to Other Metals
Here‘s how the abundance of tungsten in the Earth‘s crust compares to some other metals:
| Metal | Abundance (ppm) |
|---|---|
| Iron | 50,000 |
| Aluminum | 80,000 |
| Copper | 50 |
| Tungsten | 1.5 |
| Silver | 0.07 |
| Gold | 0.004 |
As you can see, tungsten is much rarer than common industrial metals like iron and aluminum. It‘s also considerably more scarce than copper. But it is more abundant than precious metals like silver and gold.
Tungsten Production and Reserves
Global tungsten mine production was around 88,000 metric tons in 2020. The vast majority came from China, which produced over 64,000 tons. Russia was a distant second at just 5,600 tons.
In terms of reserves, China also dominates with 1.8 million metric tons or about 52% of global reserves. Russia, Canada, Vietnam, Bolivia and Austria round out the top countries.
Tungsten reserves are not endless, but at current production rates they are estimated to last another 40-50 years. Recycling will help extend supplies.
Tungsten Pricing
As a relatively rare metal, tungsten commands high prices compared to more common metals:
- Tungsten ore concentrate: $200-$250/MTU
- Ammonium paratungstate (APT): $320-$355/MTU
- Tungsten carbide powder: $40-$50/lb
For comparison, copper trades for around $4/lb.
So in summary, while not as scarce as gold or platinum, tungsten is definitely considered a rare metal. Its unique properties make it a critical material for many modern technologies, despite its rarity. Continued exploration and improved recycling processes will help ensure adequate tungsten supplies into the future.