Mitsubishi Materials announced on September 9, 2026, that it will invest approximately 8 billion yen ($52 million) to expand tungsten recycling capacity at its subsidiary Japan New Metals, as Japan moves to secure supplies of the critical mineral amid China's export restrictions. The expansion project, which received a 2 billion yen subsidy from Japan's industry ministry, will double the annual capacity to produce ammonium paratungstate (APT), an intermediate material used in tungsten metal production, at the Akita facility to 2,400 metric tons in tungsten trioxide equivalent. Equipment installation is scheduled to begin in fiscal 2026, with operations expected to commence in April 2029.
Japan New Metals, described as Japan's only integrated producer of tungsten products spanning from concentrate to powders and carbides, intends to increase the utilization of domestic tungsten scrap. The company plans to replace approximately 1,200 tons annually of imported intermediate materials through this initiative. Tungsten carbide possesses hardness second only to diamond and finds widespread application in drills and cutting tools across the metals supply chain, from mining operations to machining processes.
The mineral is also essential in aerospace and defence equipment, while cemented carbide tools are critical to Japan's manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive production. Mitsubishi Materials stated that the project will reinforce Japan's tungsten supply chain, promote resource recycling, and support the government's efforts to ensure stable access to critical minerals. The company has set an ambitious target to achieve a 100% recycling ratio at its tungsten manufacturing sites by fiscal 2030.
This expansion represents part of a broader global strategy by Mitsubishi Materials. In July 2026, the company announced a €50 million ($58 million) investment to expand tungsten recycling capacity at H.C. Starck Tungsten, its Germany-based subsidiary.
Source: Reuters, Mining.com, September 9, 2026
Source: mining.com