Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 10, Tungsten West (LON: TUN) has successfully produced its first tungsten concentrate as part of a mineral processing trial aimed at restarting the Hemerdon mine in Devon, England. The trial is designed to test and optimise key sections of the mine’s processing facility, providing technical data and de-risking operations ahead of full-scale production.

Tungsten West team at the Hemerdon Mineral Processing Facility with trial tungsten concentrate.

Hemerdon, formerly known as Drakelands or the Hemerdon Ball mine, has a long mining history dating back to 1918, including production during both World Wars. Further exploration and feasibility studies were conducted in the 1980s, and the site operated as a modern tungsten and tin mine from August 2015 to October 2018 under previous operators. Located seven miles northeast of Plymouth, Hemerdon contains one of the world’s largest tungsten resources, making it strategically important for the UK and Europe.

Tungsten West highlighted that the first concentrate production represents a key milestone in restarting operations, with a full-scale restart anticipated by late 2026. Tungsten, though a relatively small market valued at around $5 billion in 2023, is critical for high-density applications, including military armour-piercing projectiles known as penetrators, as well as various industrial uses.

Jeff Court, CEO of Tungsten West, 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.” He added: “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 trial is part of Tungsten West’s wider programme to optimise the processing plant and ensure operational reliability. By demonstrating the ability to generate concentrate under controlled conditions, the company aims to build confidence among investors, customers, and regulatory authorities.

Tungsten West’s London-listed shares responded positively, closing up 12% on the day. The company currently has a market capitalization of £21.28 million ($28 million). The Hemerdon restart is expected to contribute to a secure supply of tungsten outside of China, addressing growing industrial and strategic demand in Europe and the UK.

Overall, the milestone marks a significant step for Tungsten West as it moves toward commercial production, reinforcing Hemerdon’s status as a key tungsten resource and a strategically important project for European supply chains. The company continues to prioritise environmental compliance and operational standards while advancing toward the anticipated late-2026 restart.