Potential U.S. Tungsten Mining Revival Following Nevada Discovery

After being inactive in tungsten mining for over ten years, a significant find in Nevada brings the U.S. back into the picture. Developer 3 Proton Lithium (3PL) claims that the Railroad Valley Minerals project could hold approximately 1.78 million tonnes of tungsten, potentially making it the largest known tungsten deposit in the country—more than five times bigger than the next largest resource.

Tungsten, valued for its density and heat resistance, is crucial for various applications, including armor-piercing munitions, cutting tools, semiconductors, and aerospace technology. However, extracting it is a more complicated matter. A mix of federal land regulations, slow approval processes, and a significant obstacle involving NASA complicate the path from discovery to actual mining.

“This is a massive resource strategy, despite the hurdles posed by NASA,” said energy public policy analyst David Blackmon, highlighting how such conflicts tend to surface during the permitting process for energy projects.

Neither NASA, 3PL, the White House, nor the Licensing Council have commented on the situation.

NASA’s Withdrawal

A portion of the Nevada deposit lies on land that NASA designated off-limits to mineral development years ago, which currently restricts exploration in that area. The Federal Register indicates that this withdrawal has been backdated to April 2023, with the Interior Department reporting that around 23,000 acres in Railroad Valley will be removed from 20-year mineral leases, a limitation extending into the early 2040s.

NASA’s interest in the valley actually involves satellite calibration rather than mining. Since 1993, the agency has used this dry lake bed to calibrate equipment because it offers an optimal environment—large, flat, devoid of vegetation, consistent surfaace color, easily accessible, and clearly visible from above.

“President Trump could pressure NASA to allow further development if he sees it as crucial for national security,” Blackmon stated. He added that the FAST-41 designation under the Trump Administration could significantly reduce the lengthy permitting timelines generally required for mining projects.

FAST-41 is a federal initiative that streamlines permitting by setting clear timelines and coordinating between agencies. The Trump administration is set to take office again in April 2025, and the program’s utility is being expanded for critical mineral projects as part of the effort to boost domestic mineral production.

Blackmon noted, “Given tungsten’s vital role in military applications, the Railroad Valley project naturally qualifies for FAST-41.” Still, he cautioned that this designation doesn’t eliminate the risk of legal challenges that could delay production.

Environmental groups continue to oppose mining initiatives linked to national security concerns. For instance, in May, several organizations petitioned a federal court to halt construction of the Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho, claiming it endangers wildlife and waterways. Ultimately, a federal judge denied the request, allowing construction to proceed while the legal cases are ongoing.

This Stibnite project has the potential to become a key domestic source of gold and antimony, essential materials for military applications. The Department of Defense had previously allocated funds to advance this initiative, emphasizing the necessity for domestic antimony supply for munitions and missiles.

China’s Grip on Tungsten

China currently dominates around 80% of global tungsten production, and its control is becoming more pronounced. In February 2025, China instituted export regulations on tungsten and other minerals, requiring licenses for their export.

These restrictions have contributed to skyrocketing tungsten prices, driven by increased demand from the defense sector. Reports indicate that since the start of 2023, prices for ammonium paratungstate, a key intermediate for tungsten production, have surged over 200%.

Even with promising domestic deposits and federal fast-tracking, the U.S. permitting system remains a significant barrier. “It can take up to 29 years for a mine to move from discovery to production in the U.S., a timeline that is unsustainable,” remarked Ashley Burke from the National Mining Association, warning that such delays risk dependency on imports for essential minerals.

Tungsten serves a wide array of applications, particularly in defense, where it’s crucial for the performance of armor-piercing ammunition due to its density and hardness. The U.S. Geological Survey identifies its main uses in both ammunition and jet engines.

“An effective and clear permitting process is vital for U.S. mining operations,” Burke noted, stressing the need to minimize delays caused by litigation, particularly when challenges may lack merit. While there have been improvements, Burke insists on the urgent need for Congress to implement lasting reforms to ensure progress in U.S. mineral production.