US-backed tungsten projects in Kazakhstan test China's supply grip

October 3, 2026 at 06:00 AM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

US-backed mining projects in Kazakhstan are moving to compete in tungsten, a market where Chinese investment already has an operating foothold. Global tungsten prices have surged more than 200 percent since May 2025, according to Argus Media, adding urgency to efforts to develop alternative supplies.

Key Facts

Global tungsten prices have surged more than 200 percent since May 2025, according to Argus Media.
Beijing introduced export controls on selected tungsten products in February 2025.
Ulterra Drilling Technologies reports the cost of manufacturing drill bits has risen by as much as 50 percent over the past year.
Ulterra is shifting production toward steel-bodied drill bit models in response to tungsten costs.

Kazakhstan's Tungsten Race

The race to loosen China's grip on tungsten is moving to Kazakhstan, where US-backed mining projects are attempting to compete in an industry where Chinese investment already has an operating foothold. Global tungsten prices have surged more than 200 percent since May 2025, according to commodity and energy information provider Argus Media, adding urgency to efforts to develop alternative supplies. The soaring costs followed Beijing's export controls on selected tungsten products introduced in February 2025 in a market already facing tight mine supply and increased demand from the defence industry.

Oilfield Equipment Impact

The supply squeeze has reached US oilfield equipment makers, which are redesigning one of their most important tools as the global shortage raises the cost of making drill bits. According to Ulterra Drilling Technologies, the cost of manufacturing drill bits had risen by as much as 50 percent over the past year. The company is responding by shifting production towards steel-bodied models, even as bits containing more tungsten typically last longer when cutting through hard, abrasive rock.