Devon, England – In a significant move set to bolster Europe's critical mineral supply chains, Tungsten West has announced its plans to restart operations at the Hemerdon mine, located in Devon, England. The company is targeting full-scale production by the first quarter of 2027 (Q1 2027), marking a crucial step towards establishing a substantial source of tungsten for markets outside of China. This ambitious relaunch, underpinned by technological innovation and strategic investment, positions Hemerdon as a key player in the global tungsten market.

Hemerdon's Relaunch and Timeline

The Hemerdon project, which ceased operations in 2018, was acquired by Tungsten West in 2019. Since then, the company has been meticulously planning its revival, focusing on a redesigned processing plant that promises greater efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint. The restart is a testament to the enduring strategic value of the Hemerdon deposit, which holds one of the largest tungsten resources globally.

The targeted timeline for the restart is aggressive yet achievable, with key milestones already in motion. Installation of critical processing equipment is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026 (Q4 2026), paving the way for commissioning and the ramp-up to full production in early 2027. This phased approach aims to ensure a smooth transition and optimized operational performance from the outset.

Technological Innovation: TOMRA XRT Sorting

A cornerstone of Tungsten West's new operational model at Hemerdon is the integration of advanced sensor-based sorting technology from TOMRA Mining. The company is installing six state-of-the-art TOMRA Mining XRT ore sorters, which incorporate OBTAIN Deep Learning technology. This system forms the backbone of the new front-end processing facility, significantly enhancing the mine's ability to selectively recover tungsten.

The installation includes both primary crushing and screening systems, feeding into a new sorting house where the six sorters will be strategically deployed. Specifically, a combination of COM Tertiary XRT and COM XRT 2.0 units will be utilized to handle various material fractions, ranging from 10mm to 80mm. This capability allows for precise sorting of mineralized material at an early stage of the processing circuit.

Jeffrey Court, CEO of Tungsten West, highlighted the transformative role of this technology: “The TOMRA sorters play a key role in our operating model. By reducing the amount of material that enters the full downstream processing circuit, they help lower our processing costs and environmental footprint, while allowing us to focus on the best recoverable tungsten feed.” This statement underscores the dual benefits of sensor-based sorting: economic efficiency through reduced energy and reagent consumption, and environmental responsibility by minimizing waste material sent for further processing.

Strategic Importance of Tungsten Supply

The relaunch of Hemerdon comes at a critical juncture for the global tungsten market. Tungsten is officially listed as a critical mineral by the UK Government, reflecting its indispensable role across numerous high-tech and industrial applications. Its unique properties, including an exceptionally high melting point, superior hardness, and density, make it vital for sectors such as:

  • Energy: Components for high-temperature applications, renewable energy systems.
  • Electronics: Filaments, electrodes, and heat sinks in electronic devices.
  • Defence: Ammunition, armor-piercing projectiles, and other military hardware.
  • Aerospace: Engine components, counterweights, and radiation shielding.
  • Cutting Tools and Wear Parts: Carbides for drilling, machining, and mining equipment.

Globally, China currently dominates tungsten concentrate production, accounting for approximately 80% of the world's supply. However, this dominance has been met with increasing concerns regarding supply chain stability, particularly given recent export restrictions and reduced domestic output from China. This has spurred a global drive among industrialized nations to diversify their critical mineral sources and reduce reliance on single suppliers.

Against this backdrop, the Hemerdon project holds immense strategic value. Its estimated reserves could contribute around 4.1% of global tungsten production, offering a significant non-Chinese supply option for European and Western markets. This diversification is crucial for industrial security and innovation, ensuring a stable supply of this essential metal for future technological advancements and strategic needs.

Economic and Operational Model

Tungsten West's redesigned processing strategy at Hemerdon is not only technologically advanced but also economically astute. The use of TOMRA XRT sorters at the front end of the processing circuit enables a highly efficient material separation. Approximately 30% of the processed material, which contains mineralized tungsten, will be directed for further concentration and tin recovery. This targeted approach ensures that only the most valuable ore proceeds through the energy-intensive downstream processing stages.

Crucially, the remaining 70% of the material, identified as low-grade or non-mineralized by the sorters, will not be discarded as waste. Instead, this inert material will be made available as a by-product aggregate for the construction industry. This innovative approach not only minimizes waste disposal requirements and associated environmental impacts but also creates an additional revenue stream for the mine, improving overall project economics and sustainability. It transforms what would traditionally be tailings into a valuable resource, setting a new standard for responsible mining operations.

Financial Backing and Investment

The restart of the Hemerdon mine has garnered significant financial support, underscoring its strategic national importance. Last month, the UK's National Wealth Fund announced a substantial investment of up to $95.74 million (equivalent to £71 million) in Tungsten West. This injection of capital is vital for financing the extensive infrastructure upgrades, equipment installation, and operational expenditures required to bring the mine back to full production.

The investment from the UK's National Wealth Fund reflects a broader governmental commitment to securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals. By supporting projects like Hemerdon, the UK aims to reduce its vulnerability to global supply disruptions and foster economic resilience. This public-private partnership demonstrates confidence in Tungsten West's operational plan and the long-term viability of the Hemerdon project as a strategic national asset.

Future Outlook and Industry Implications

The successful relaunch of the Hemerdon mine is poised to have significant implications for the global mining industry and critical minerals sector. For Europe, it represents a substantial step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency in tungsten supply, thereby mitigating geopolitical risks and fostering industrial growth. The project's emphasis on advanced sorting technology also sets a precedent for sustainable mining practices, demonstrating how innovation can reduce both operational costs and environmental footprints.

Industry analysts will closely monitor Hemerdon's ramp-up and production figures, as its output could influence global tungsten market dynamics. The project's success may encourage further investment in other dormant critical mineral assets within the UK and across Europe, spurring a broader renaissance in domestic resource development. Furthermore, the dual revenue stream from tungsten and construction aggregate could serve as a model for other mining operations looking to enhance economic viability while simultaneously improving environmental performance.

As demand for tungsten continues to rise across key industrial sectors, Hemerdon’s return to production offers a timely and strategically important source of this vital metal. Tungsten West's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and a sustainable operational model positions the mine not just as a producer, but as a leader in responsible critical mineral extraction for the 21st century.