Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 8, Tungsten West has produced the first trial batch of tungsten concentrate at the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon, United Kingdom, as part of its ongoing processing trial. This development represents an important milestone in the company’s strategy to restart full-scale production at the mine.

The Hemerdon mine, fully owned by Tungsten West, is reputed to be one of the largest tungsten resources globally.

The processing trial is a central element of a broader programme designed to test and optimise the performance of the mineral processing facility. The results from these trials will provide the technical data required to support operational improvements and guide the next stage of production planning. Tungsten West stated that the programme is aimed at reducing operational risks while ensuring readiness for the mine’s full restart.

Tungsten West CEO Jeff Court said: “The progress we are making in this processing trial is an important milestone in restarting operations at Hemerdon and provides confidence to our neighbours, the Environment Agency, our investors and off-takers that we are moving towards production. We have ensured that all activities throughout this trial have been conducted to high environmental and operational standards. As the need for a diversified source of tungsten intensifies, Hemerdon becomes an even more important strategic asset.”

The Hemerdon mine, located near Plymouth, is wholly owned by Tungsten West and is recognised as one of the largest tungsten deposits in the world. The company has been working to re-establish the mine as a key contributor to the global supply of tungsten and tin — both of which are essential materials in advanced manufacturing, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.

According to Tungsten West, demand for strategic metals such as tungsten and tin has increased significantly due to their applications in high-performance alloys, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and other emerging technologies. The company’s long-term goal is to position Hemerdon as a reliable supplier capable of supporting this growing demand in the global market.

The current trial operations at Hemerdon include a series of technical evaluations of processing equipment, recovery rates, and concentrate quality. These activities are intended to ensure that production processes meet both economic and environmental performance standards. Once the trial phase concludes successfully, Tungsten West plans to move toward the next stage of operational ramp-up, supported by its existing infrastructure and experienced workforce.

The successful production of the first trial tungsten concentrate demonstrates steady progress in Tungsten West’s efforts to bring the Hemerdon mine back into sustained operation. The company believes the restart will strengthen regional economic activity in Devon and contribute to the long-term supply stability of tungsten and tin for global industries.