Tungsten Statistics and Information

Tungsten Insights and Data

Pictured: tungsten

Statistics and information on the worldwide supply of, demand for, and flow of the mineral commodity tungsten

Tungsten (W) is a metal with a wide range of uses, the largest of which is as tungsten carbide in cemented carbides. Cemented carbides (also called hardmetals) are wear-resistant materials used by the metalworking, mining, and construction industries. Tungsten metal wires, electrodes, and/or contacts are used in lighting, electronic, electrical, heating, and welding applications. Tungsten is also used to make heavy metal alloys for armaments, heat sinks, and high-density applications, such as weights and counterweights; superalloys for turbine blades; tool steels; and wear-resistant alloy parts and coatings. Tungsten composites are used as a substitute for lead in bullets and shot. Tungsten chemical compounds are used in catalysts, inorganic pigments, and high-temperature lubricants.

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We are currently in the process of transitioning our datasets to the USGS ScienceBase platform to improve long-term accessibility, documentation, and version control. As part of that transition, we have temporarily paused public posting of our Mineral Industry Surveys (MIS), so the latest available posted data are from December 2025. We will start publication of the MIS as soon as this process is completed. Users subscribed to the automatic notification will be informed as each MIS becomes available. Thank you for your patience.

Mineral Industry Surveys