en.Wedoany.com Reported - American Tungsten Corp. (Ticker: TUNG:TSXV; TUNGF:OTCQB; RK9:FSE) is advancing the restart of its Ima mine in Idaho, as the company aims to fill the domestic tungsten supply gap during wartime conflicts. Current U.S. policy has prioritized the domestic security of supply for critical minerals, providing a clear market window for the company's project.
Tungsten plays a critical role in defense, manufacturing, and industrial applications. Recent policy changes, including an executive order (Project Blue) effective January 1, 2027, restrict foreign procurement and have generated new demand for domestic U.S. production. Data shows that China, Russia, and North Korea produce approximately 90% of the world's tungsten, exposing U.S. buyers to supply disruption risks. Defense demand is expected to rise from 12% of the total market between 2027 and 2028 to 15%, while the overall market value this year is estimated at nearly $16 billion.
American Tungsten is a Canadian tungsten exploration and development mining company whose core asset is the Ima mine in east-central Idaho, situated on 22 patented mining claims with a history of production. Between 1945 and 1957, the site produced approximately 199,449 metric thermal units of WO3. This historical production record, combined with its geographic advantage within the United States, positions the company favorably among buyers seeking domestic tungsten resources.
American Tungsten has initiated a metallurgical testing program at its Ima mine in Idaho, led by Bomenco Minerals Engineering and SGS Laboratories. The program aims to develop a viable tungsten recovery process and provide data to support future engineering and economic studies. Concurrently, NewFields MTDs is conducting geotechnical investigations to design tailings and waste rock storage facilities for the mine. According to a 2025 NI 43-101 technical report, the Ima mine historically produced approximately 199,449 metric thermal units of WO3. The company plans a two-phase development, starting with tailings reprocessing followed by an underground mine restart, targeting first concentrate sales in early 2027.
On July 16, 2026, American Tungsten announced the simultaneous advancement of metallurgical testing and geotechnical investigations to establish a design foundation for subsequent engineering, environmental, and development work. CEO Ali Haji stated that these two initiatives are important milestones in advancing the Ima mine restart. Metallurgical test results will support process optimization and recovery rate improvements, while geotechnical work will provide critical design criteria for tailings and waste rock storage infrastructure. Bomenco Minerals Engineering has been engaged to coordinate and manage testing with SGS Laboratories, aiming to identify economically viable tungsten recovery methods; NewFields MTDs is responsible for completing geotechnical work to support permit applications and long-term infrastructure planning.
Industry analysts believe the current policy environment creates a favorable opportunity for domestic mineral resource projects. Effective January 1, 2027, the executive order signed by President Trump (Project Blue) will formally take effect, banning foreign tungsten procurement. China, Russia, and North Korea produce approximately 90% of the world's tungsten, prompting the U.S. to urgently secure reliable domestic supply sources amid trade tensions. According to Reuters, defense sector demand for tungsten is growing at approximately 8% per year.
On March 17, 2026, technical analyst John Newell issued a Buy rating for American Tungsten with a short-term price target of C$3.10. On June 4, 2026, Dave Storms of Stonegate Capital Partners set the company's valuation range between C$3.87 and C$5.91. American Tungsten's investor presentation materials indicate an initial tailings reprocessing target for production by the end of 2026, with first concentrate sales targeted for early 2027.
