London-listed Tungsten West has announced the signing of two crucial supply agreements, placing its vast Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon firmly on track to commence production in 2026. The company confirmed the contracts on Monday, February 16, marking a significant milestone in the revival of one of the world's largest tungsten resources.
Strategic Partnerships Secured
The agreements cover major components of the mine's improvement plan at the Plympton site. Tungsten West has partnered with Coventry-based Duo Group for the engineering, procurement, and construction works package related to a new crushing, screening, and ore sorter facility. Simultaneously, a deal has been struck with Australia's Gekko Systems Pty for the supply of an in-line pressure jigs system and associated infrastructure.
Historical Context and Global Significance
Hemerdon, located just seven miles north-east of Plymouth, represents a critical asset in the global supply chain for tungsten, a rare metal essential for manufacturing in sectors such as automotive and defence. Tungsten West acquired the site through a receivership process in 2019 after the collapse of previous operator Wolf Minerals.
Once fully operational, the mine is projected to produce approximately 20 per cent of the global supply of primary tungsten outside of China, highlighting its strategic importance in reducing dependency on foreign sources.
Leadership and Future Outlook
Jeff Court, chief executive of Tungsten West, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnerships, stating, "I am extremely pleased to partner with Duo and Gekko, two well-established and highly regarded suppliers, on these important work packages as we reach another critical stage in restarting Hemerdon." He emphasized that these agreements ensure all major processing additions are in place to implement the improvement plan at the Mineral Processing Facility (MPF).
Martin McWilliams, managing director of Duo, confirmed that works on site would "commence immediately," describing this as "an important step forward" in the mine's new build construction programme. He added, "We are committed to executing the programme in a disciplined and timely manner to support the company's operational and environmental objectives."
Andrew Edmondston, chief executive of Gekko Systems, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Gekko Systems is very excited to be working with Tungsten West on the Hemerdon Project."
Financial Backing and Progress
This development follows closely on the heels of Tungsten West's recent successful capital raise, where the company confirmed it had secured over £40 million through a share sale just ten days prior. The combination of financial support and strategic supply agreements underscores the company's momentum towards achieving its production goals.
The Hemerdon mine's revival not only promises to bolster the local economy in Devon but also positions the UK as a key player in the global critical metals market, enhancing supply chain resilience for vital industrial materials.
