Almonty starts operations in US with Montana tungsten project acquisition

Core Insights - Almonty Industries has commenced operations in the US by acquiring 100% ownership of the Gentung Browns Lake tungsten project in Montana, enhancing its global portfolio with a significant undeveloped tungsten asset [1][3] - The project has NI43-101 total mineral resources of 7.53 million tonnes at 0.315% tungsten trioxide, indicating a substantial resource base for future production [1][2] Project Details - The tungsten deposit will be mined using a room-and-pillar underground method, with metallurgical tests showing over 90% tungsten recovery and 20–25% garnet recovery [2] - The project is supported by established infrastructure, including road access, power, water rights, and an existing mill site, facilitating efficient operations [2] Strategic Importance - Almonty aims for production readiness by the second half of 2026, with initial design expectations of approximately 140,000 tonne units per year, reinforcing domestic tungsten supply in the US [3] - The acquisition aligns with increasing demand for secure, non-Chinese sources of tungsten, supporting US government initiatives for critical mineral independence in defense and advanced technology sectors [4][5] Long-term Vision - The Gentung Browns Lake project positions Almonty as a long-term supplier for critical industries, including defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, contributing to a Western tungsten supply chain [6] - This acquisition is part of Almonty's broader vision to establish an integrated tungsten platform across Europe, Asia, and North America, enhancing its strategic market presence [6] Recent Developments - Earlier in January, Almonty announced an exclusive offtake agreement with SeAH Group to supply the entire production of molybdenum from its Sangdong Molybdenum project in South Korea, indicating ongoing strategic partnerships [7]