Uses of Tungsten
Tungsten is a well-known strategic high-density
metal. Recently it has acquired an environmental use in the form of
“green bullets.” The U.S. military stared using tungsten bullets in
the spring of 1999, because a switch to tungsten would eliminate
poisoning of ground water supplies by spent lead bullets. Currently the
U.S. Army is using two million green bullets a year, with plans to
ultimately ramp up to 200 million a year.
The many uses of tungsten include light bulbs,
metal cutting tools, drill bits, mining tools, military ordnance,
high-speed steel tools, chemicals, and catalysts; wear-resistant
cemented carbide materials for construction, mining, and metalworking
industries; electronic, electrical, heating and lighting components;
heavy metal alloys for heat sinks, armaments, and high density
materials; and super alloys such as turbine blades.
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Tungsten is used in many tools
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A Brief History
The Black Horse Mine was extensively excavated for
tungsten during World War I. During World War II the mine was again very
active. The last major shipment of tungsten was recorded in 1951, when
the operation shipped 4,688 tons of Black Horse Mine Moly and tungsten
ore to the U.S. Vanadium mill, a subsidiary of Union Carbide, in Pine
Creek, California.
The world’s largest producer, China, with 80% of
the market supply, has reduced its exports of tungsten. Other than CRI's
high-grade tungsten deposits, there is no U.S. mining of tungsten
currently.
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