{"id":39574,"date":"2024-01-15T10:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T10:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=39574"},"modified":"2024-01-15T10:03:01","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T10:03:01","slug":"how-tungsten-west-is-unlocking-the-importance-of-uk-tungsten-mining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/how-tungsten-west-is-unlocking-the-importance-of-uk-tungsten-mining\/39574\/","title":{"rendered":"How Tungsten West is unlocking the importance of UK tungsten mining"},"content":{"rendered":"

The potential of Tungsten West<\/a>\u2019s Hemerdon mine extends far beyond its moorland locale, to the breadth of the UK and beyond.<\/h2>\n

Tungsten is often referred to as \u2018the metal of the future,\u2019 such is its centrality to a multitude of modern industries. It possesses unparalleled strength, durability, and heat resistance \u2013 key technical properties that make it highly sought after.<\/p>\n

In aerospace, tungsten is used in turbine blades, radiation shielding, satellite propulsion, nozzles, ballast weights, and jet engines. Tungsten carbide and heavy alloys are used in wind turbine bearings, gears, counterweights, and blades. Tungsten sulphide compounds can be used in the solar cell industry to improve energy generation.<\/p>\n

As the world begins to turn to electric vehicles<\/a> (EVs), tungsten once again demonstrates its vitality; its high melting point and high density make it ideal for use in EV batteries as it can weather the high pressure and temperatures that come from the charging and discharging process.<\/p>\n

Tungsten\u2019s use in fusion energy devices<\/h3>\n

Such is the fast-moving nature of global progression that new applications for tungsten<\/a> are being constantly realised. Perhaps the most exciting of these centres on a reaction that has the potential to provide a virtually unlimited supply of clean and sustainable energy \u2013 fusion.<\/p>\n

In fusion energy devices, tungsten will be required for radiation shielding and plasma-facing components. Due to tungsten\u2019s excellent thermal conductivity, it helps to dissipate heat and prevent damage to the reactor in the fusion unit.<\/p>\n

Additionally, tungsten has a low sputtering yield, meaning that it resists erosion and maintains its structure when bombarded with high-energy particles. This is important in a fusion reactor, as the plasma particles can cause damage to the reactor walls if not properly contained. It also has a high neutron irradiation resistance, which is crucial in a fusion reaction where high-energy neutrons are produced.<\/p>\n

Fusion energy produces no greenhouse gases and generates minimal waste, making it a viable source for the future. It can help reduce dependence on finite fossil fuel resources and solidify the energy security and energy independence of countries that may previously have been stifled by the energy access gap.<\/p>\n

The importance of UK tungsten mining<\/h3>\n

Tungsten shares an entirely cyclical reliance with the world. They are co-dependent; tungsten\u2019s potential cannot be unlocked if it isn\u2019t given the platform from which to do so by national governments, and the success of future global industries cannot be actualised if tungsten fails to be exploited.<\/p>\n

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China has been the main source of imported tungsten into the US since 2017, representing approximately 29% of its total tungsten imports from 2018 to 2021.<\/p>\n

For the UK, relying on imported tungsten places it in a vulnerable position, subject to the whims of international markets and geopolitical tensions. By developing domestic tungsten mining capabilities in the UK, national security would be strengthened, and a stable supply of this crucial material would be cemented, allowing national industries to be safeguarded and autonomy preserved.<\/p>\n

The UK has another motivating factor to contend with. Its status as a world leader in green energy and decarbonisation technology is somewhat reliant on the constant sourcing of the materials necessary to continue this drive.<\/p>\n

The UK Government has outlined a mission to decarbonise the country and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.<\/p>\n

To achieve this, the UK Government has implemented various strategies and initiatives. These include:<\/p>\n