Türkiye has passed a significant threshold in the refining of tungsten, a critical and strategic mineral. As a result of its work, Kürşat Ar-Ge has succeeded in producing tungsten at 99.88 per cent purity, elevating Türkiye to the position of the world's 5th country in this field. According to the SciAps material report shared by the company, the tungsten content in the sample was measured at 99.88 per cent, with a selenium content of 0.122 per cent.
Product Verification Phase Completed
According to Kürşat Ar-Ge's statement, the product verification phase has been completed. The sintering process has been finalised and the final product stage has been reached. Images shared by the company show tungsten samples that have undergone the refining process, along with their corresponding analysis report. Sintering is known as the process of joining metal powders at high temperature to form a solid structure, and is a critical production stage for metals with high melting points such as tungsten.
Why Is Tungsten Critical and Strategic?
Tungsten, with atomic number 74, is represented by the symbol "W" in the periodic table. Standing out for having the highest melting point in metal form and high density, tungsten is used in industry and manufacturing for the production of cutting tools, drill bits and wear-resistant components. In electronics, filaments, heating elements and electrodes are among tungsten's primary application areas.
Tungsten's true strategic importance emerges in the defence industry. Kinetic energy penetrators and cores used in armour-piercing munitions require high density and hardness, making tungsten the material of choice. In rocket and missile systems, nozzle throats and heat shields require resistance to extreme temperatures. In aviation and space, jet engines, aircraft counterweights and rocket components are also among tungsten's critical applications.
China's Export Restrictions and the Supply Crisis
Tungsten's strategic importance is further heightened by vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. The overwhelming majority of world tungsten production is under China's control. China's recently imposed export controls and declining supply have led to procurement difficulties, high prices and a strategic deficit in many countries, particularly Türkiye. This situation has accelerated the search for alternative supply sources and domestic production.
Türkiye's attainment of the position of the world's 5th country in tungsten refining is regarded as an important step towards closing this strategic deficit. The production of high-purity tungsten using domestic and national capabilities will contribute to reducing external dependency across a broad spectrum, from the defence industry to electronics.
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