Tungsten West plc (LON:TUN), the owner and operator of the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine located in Devon, UK, has officially announced the commencement of production at Hemerdon, with ore now being processed through the plant. This significant milestone marks the beginning of the next phase of operational ramp-up for the company. The announcement was highlighted during a visit by Oliver Holbourn, Chief Executive Officer of the National Wealth Fund, underscoring the strategic importance of Hemerdon in developing secure supply chains for critical minerals within the UK and Western markets.
Hemerdon is recognised as one of the largest known tungsten deposits globally, serving as a vital domestic source of tungsten, a mineral that plays a crucial role across various industries, including aerospace, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, defence, and industrial applications. With the processing phase now underway, Tungsten West aims to progressively ramp up operations towards achieving steady-state production levels.
Jeffery Court, the Chief Executive Officer of Tungsten West, expressed that the initiation of production at Hemerdon is a landmark achievement for the company, reflecting the extensive efforts made by their team and partners to reinstate this strategically significant mine. He noted that as global focus intensifies on the security of critical mineral supplies, Hemerdon is poised to become one of the most important sources of tungsten in the Western world. The company is now dedicated to safely increasing operations and establishing Hemerdon as a reliable, long-term supplier of tungsten concentrate to both the UK and its international partners.
Oliver Holbourn, representing the National Wealth Fund, commented on the swift progress made since their investment, highlighting that the first tungsten ore is already being processed at the site. He emphasised the goal of unlocking this strategic asset for the UK, ensuring a domestic supply of tungsten for local industries, and creating job opportunities for surrounding communities. The recent developments at Hemerdon signify the initial steps towards achieving this ambition.
Emma Reynolds, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, praised Tungsten West as a success story for Devon, aligning with the government’s vision to stimulate growth across the UK. She noted that less than two weeks after announcing a £71 million investment from the National Wealth Fund to restart operations, the Hemerdon mine is already contributing to job creation, productivity enhancement, and economic growth in the South West region.
