Core Insights - Allied Critical Metals Inc. has appointed Major General (Ret.) James A. "Spider" Marks to the Board of Directors of its U.S. subsidiary, Allied Critical Metals (USA), Inc. This move aims to strengthen the company's operations in the U.S. tungsten market [1][3]. Company Overview - Allied Critical Metals Inc. is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the Borralha and Vila Verde tungsten projects in northern Portugal, which are 100% owned by the company [1][6]. - The company is dedicated to the importation, marketing, and sales of tungsten in the United States, addressing the growing demand for this critical mineral [1][5]. Leadership and Expertise - General Marks brings over four decades of leadership experience from military, intelligence, and commercial sectors, including significant roles in the U.S. Army and executive positions in private industry [2][3]. - His expertise in global defense, logistics, and strategy is expected to enhance Allied USA's operational and strategic direction, particularly in securing reliable tungsten supply chains for the U.S. [3][4]. Market Context - Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral essential for industries such as aerospace, defense, and electronics. The tungsten market is valued at approximately USD $5 to $6 billion [6]. - The U.S. is actively seeking to diversify its sources of tungsten, as current global supply is heavily dominated by China, Russia, and North Korea, which account for about 86% of total global supply and reserves [6].