tungstenbearing

Tungsten-bearing is a descriptor used in geology and mining to refer to rocks, minerals, and ores that contain tungsten, typically in the form of tungstate minerals or tungsten oxide compounds. The term is often applied to ore concentrates from which tungsten metal can be extracted.

The two principal natural tungsten-bearing mineral classes are tungstate minerals such as scheelite (CaWO4) and the wolframite group, which forms solid solutions between ferberite (FeWO4) and hübnerite (MnWO4). These minerals are the primary sources of tungsten ore worldwide and are commonly found together in hydrothermal and related deposit types.

Tungsten-bearing minerals form in a variety of settings, including hydrothermal systems associated with greisen and skarn deposits, as well as porphyry tungsten environments. They may occur with tin, molybdenum, and other metals, and can also accumulate in alluvial or placer deposits where heavy mineral concentrates are mined.

From tungsten-bearing ore, tungsten is extracted by processing to recover tungsten oxide or related compounds, which are subsequently converted to tungsten metal or alloys. The ore grades suitable for mining vary, and economic factors, processing technology, and market demand determine feasibility. Tungsten’s high melting point and density underpin its use in high-performance materials.

China has long been the leading producer of tungsten, with other significant producers including Russia, Portugal, Austria, Bolivia, and Canada. Tungsten is essential for hard metals such as cemented carbides, as well as various alloys and specialty applications.