Tungsten Mining eyes early-stage production at NT-based Hatches Creek

• TGN submits two key applications towards mining approvals at Hatches Creek
• Move follows China’s export restrictions on critical metal tungsten
• Company working towards a resource estimate to support early-stage production

Special Report: Tungsten Mining has eyes on potential early-stage production at its Hatches Creek project in the Northern Territory, advancing towards mining approvals with two key applications submitted.

Back in January, China announced export controls for the critical mineral, which is used across tech, defence and clean energy applications.

And since the country controls about 80% of the world’s supply, demand and prices are expected to rise, much like those of gallium, germanium and antimony did last year after China announced export restrictions on the niche metals.

And Tungsten Mining (ASX:TGN) is keen to leverage the strong market demand for tungsten, with its Hatches Creek project already boasting standout intersections including 5m at 2.05% WO₃, 7m at 1.39% WO₃ and 15m at 0.44% WO₃.

The company has now lodged a Mining Management Plan application with the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security of the Northern Territory government, along with a Mining Licence application with the NT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

These applications are important steps towards obtaining environmental approvals and legal permissions to mine the project.

The early production pathway options being considered includes a two-stage approach:

• Stage 1: Processing stockpiles left from historical mining; and
• Stage 2: Mining and processing tungsten-copper from the pending mineral resource estimate.

The company has submitted the mining management plan application for Stage 1, with the Stage 2 plan to follow.

Watch: TGN turning on the tungsten turbine

Mineral resource is the backbone

Following the successful drilling program, a maiden mineral resource estimate is underway to expand the resource base.

This estimate will help the company assess the potential for early-stage production – in conjunction with further engineering and testwork to inform flowsheet development and evaluate production options.

“The project’s high-grade tungsten prospects and promising results from the recent drilling campaign underscore its potential to capitalise on the favourable market conditions for tungsten, with additional copper mineralisation offering further value,” TGN said.

The resource estimate is expected to be released to the market in April 2025.

This article was developed in collaboration with Tungsten Mining, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.