Hemerdon Mine Calls for Government Support to Extract Critical Tungsten Supplies
Hemerdon Mine, located on the outskirts of Plymouth, Devon, has called on the UK government for support in extracting one of the world's largest tungsten deposits. According to company executives, the mine, operated by Tungsten West since 2019, holds the second largest deposit of tungsten globally. Tungsten is a critical mineral with high demand in electronics, robotics, medical devices, and aerospace.
Tungsten West took over the Hemerdon Mine after the previous operator, Wolf Minerals, ceased production in 2018. Marica Lyndon, head of operations at Tungsten West, said that the company is already in discussions with the Labour-led government regarding potential support. She emphasized the importance of government backing, not just for the UK but for the broader Western world, particularly given the mineral's significance.
The company reported a loss of over £10.3 million as of March 2024, primarily due to efforts to restart production at the site. Lyndon highlighted the challenges of relying solely on private sector funding, describing it as "frustrating in the past." However, she expressed optimism about the government's potential role in the mine's future. "We’re really interested in what the new government brings to the table because this is really vital, not just to the UK, but to the western world," Lyndon said.
Lyndon also stated that the mine could be operational by the second quarter of 2026, with plans to expand its workforce significantly. "We’re looking at about 250 people that we will have here on site, and that’s just direct employment," she said, adding that the mine's reopening could bring substantial economic benefits to Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
Tungsten is classified as a mineral with "high criticality for the UK," with more than 80% of global demand currently being met by China. The Hemerdon deposit represents a unique opportunity for the UK to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports and establish itself as a key player in the global tungsten market. Mine executives believe that domestic production of tungsten will not only support the UK's industrial growth but also contribute to supply chain resilience.
In comparison, other UK mining ventures, particularly in Cornwall, have already benefited from public funding. Cornish Lithium received almost £24 million from the UK Infrastructure Bank last year, while British Lithium secured around £5 million in public investment. Both companies are working to develop lithium extraction for use in electric vehicle batteries and electronic devices.
The UK government has reiterated its commitment to critical minerals like tungsten and lithium. It said, "We look forward to launching a new critical minerals strategy next year, which will set out how we will boost domestic production and secure vital supplies from abroad, with the South West playing a key role in this." The new strategy aims to enhance the production of essential minerals and ensure the country's supply chain is robust and sustainable.
