North Korea

In 2024, North Korea was estimated to be the world’s 3d-ranked producer of mined tungsten, accounting for 2.3% of global production; 9th-ranked producer of graphite (natural), accounting for 0.5% of global production; and 13th-ranked producer of mined molybdenum, accounting for 0.3% of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included mine production of copper, iron ore, lead, and zinc. The heavy and chemical manufacturing industry contributed 14% to North Korea’s gross domestic product (GDP). The mining industry contributed 10% to the country’s GDP.  

The legislative framework for the mineral sector in North Korea is provided by mineral resources laws (Act No. 14 of 1993 and Amendment Act No. 757 of 2021). Mining and mineral-processing enterprises were primarily owned and operated by the Government. The Ministry of State Natural Resources Development is engaged in the exploration for mineral resources. The Ministry of Construction and Building-Materials Industry manages cement; the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, iron ore and magnesite mines; and the Ministry of Mining Industry, all other mines. The General Bureau of Tanchon Area Mining Industry operated lead-zinc and magnesite mines and processing facilities in Tanchon. North Korea’s tungsten concentrate accounted for 29% (by quantity) of China's tungsten imports during the year.