Tungsten West, the mining company operating the Hemerdon Mine on the outskirts of Plymouth, Devon, is calling for government support to help extract one of the world’s largest critical mineral supplies. The mine holds the second-largest deposit of tungsten globally, making it a significant resource for the UK and the wider western world.
Tungsten West took control of the Hemerdon Mine in 2019 after the previous operator, Wolf Minerals, ceased production in 2018. Head of Operations Marica Lyndon stated that the company is already in discussions with the Labour-led government regarding potential support for the future of the mine.
The company has faced financial challenges, losing over £10.3 million by March 2024 as it worked to bring the mine back into production. Ms. Lyndon mentioned that Tungsten West had relied heavily on private sector funding, which she described as “frustrating in the past.” She expressed hope that the new government could provide more support, highlighting the importance of the project not only for the UK but also for the broader Western world.
Despite the financial hurdles, Tungsten West remains optimistic about the future of the Hemerdon Mine. The company aims to begin tungsten production by the second quarter of 2026 and anticipates a significant boost to the local labor market, with plans to employ around 250 people directly at the site. This expansion is expected to have a positive impact on Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
Tungsten is used in various high-tech industries, including electronics, robotics, medical devices, and aerospace. It is classified by the UK government as a “critical” mineral, and more than 80% of global demand is currently met by China. The Hemerdon deposit offers the potential for the UK to become a major player in the global tungsten market.
In addition to tungsten, the UK government has also provided financial support to mining companies in Cornwall that are extracting lithium for use in electric vehicle batteries and other electronic devices. For example, Cornish Lithium secured nearly £24 million from the UK Infrastructure Bank, while British Lithium received about £5 million.
The UK government has emphasized the critical importance of minerals like tungsten and lithium for the country’s future. In a statement, the government noted that it plans to launch a new critical minerals strategy next year, which will outline how the UK intends to boost domestic production and secure vital supplies from abroad. The South West of England, where the Hemerdon Mine is located, will play a key role in these efforts.
