[Important] Ministry of Natural Resources: The total control indicator for the first batch of tungsten ore mining in 2025 is 58,000 mt

Published: Apr 28, 2025 13:22
[Notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources on Issuing the Total Control Indicators for Tungsten Ore Mining Output in 2024] Departments in charge of natural resources in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Heilongjiang Province, Zhejiang Province, Anhui Province, Fujian Province, Jiangxi Province, Henan Province, Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yunnan Province, Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: To protect and rationally develop superior mineral resources, in accordance with the relevant regulations on the management of specific minerals subject to protective mining, we hereby notify you of the following matters regarding the implementation of total control indicators for tungsten ore mining output in 2024.

The Ministry of Natural Resources recently issued the Notice on Issuing the First Batch of Total Tungsten Mine Production Control Quotas for 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the Notice), clarifying matters related to the first batch of total tungsten mine production control quotas for this year to protect and reasonably develop superior mineral resources. For 2025, the total production control quota for the first batch of tungsten mines (with a tungsten trioxide content of 65%, the same hereinafter) is 58,000 mt, allocated to 11 provinces (autonomous regions) including Inner Mongolia, Fujian, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, and Guangdong. Among them, the top three provinces in terms of quota are Jiangxi (21,300 mt), Hunan (15,530 mt), and Henan (7,050 mt). Compared to the first batch of quotas in 2024, the total production control quota for the first batch of tungsten mines this year has decreased by 4,000 mt. The Notice states that the total production control quota for tungsten mines will no longer distinguish between primary mining quotas and comprehensive utilisation quotas. For mines where the main mineral species registered on the mining license is another mineral species, and the tungsten ore is co-occurring or associated, and the identified tungsten resources are of large or medium scale, the total production control quota will continue to be issued, with a preference in allocation. For mines where the co-occurring or associated tungsten resources are of small scale, no total production control quota will be issued, and the mine enterprises shall report their tungsten ore production to the provincial natural resource authorities where they are located.

The original text is as follows:

Notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources on Issuing the First Batch of Total Tungsten Mine Production Control Quotas for 2025

To the natural resource authorities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Heilongjiang Province, Zhejiang Province, Anhui Province, Fujian Province, Jiangxi Province, Henan Province, Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yunnan Province, Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region:

To protect and reasonably develop superior mineral resources, in accordance with the relevant regulations on the management of specific mineral species subject to protective mining, we hereby notify you of the following matters related to the first batch of total tungsten mine production control quotas for 2025.

1. The total production control quota for the first batch of tungsten mines (with a tungsten trioxide content of 65%, the same hereinafter) for 2025 is 58,000 mt. See the appendix for the specific allocation.

2. The total production control quota for tungsten mines will no longer distinguish between primary mining quotas and comprehensive utilisation quotas. For mines where the main mineral species registered on the mining license is another mineral species, and the tungsten ore is co-occurring or associated, and the identified tungsten resources are of large or medium scale, the total production control quota will continue to be issued, with a preference in allocation. For mines where the co-occurring or associated tungsten resources are of small scale, no total production control quota will be issued, and the mine enterprises shall report their tungsten ore production to the provincial natural resource authorities where they are located.

3. The total production control quota for tungsten mines shall be allocated to mine enterprises by the provincial natural resource authorities. The provincial natural resource authorities shall establish a mechanism for quota allocation and dynamic adjustment, strengthen the management of quotas in their respective provinces or autonomous regions based on the actual production situations of mine enterprises, and ensure that the use of quotas is more in line with the actual mining conditions. No quotas shall be allocated to mining enterprises whose tungsten ore exploration rights and mining licenses have expired. For mines with valid mining licenses but currently out of production, no quotas shall be allocated either. Quotas will be issued once production resumes.

IV. Provincial natural resource authorities shall organize the municipal and county-level natural resource authorities in the location of the mine to sign responsibility agreements with mining enterprises for the implementation of total mining output quotas, clarifying rights, obligations, and responsibilities for breach of contract. Production exceeding quotas or without quotas shall be strictly prohibited. A certain proportion of random inspections shall be conducted on the implementation of quotas and the comprehensive utilisation of associated and co-occurring minerals, and actions such as concealing or underreporting production shall be corrected.

V. Provincial natural resource authorities shall complete the breakdown and issuance of the total tungsten ore mining output control quotas within 10 working days from the issuance of this notice, and report the breakdown to the Department of Mining Rights Management of the Ministry before April 30, 2025.

VI. Provincial natural resource authorities shall accurately compile statistics on the actual production of mining enterprises (including small-scale associated and co-occurring tungsten mines for which quotas have not been issued), and report the production situation for the first five months to the Department of Mining Rights Management of the Ministry before June 20, 2025.

Ministry of Natural Resources

April 3, 2025

Attachment:

Click to view link details: 》Notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources on Issuing the First Batch of Total Tungsten Ore Mining Output Control Quotas for 2025

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Silicon Metal Market Review for January and Outlook for February
20 hours ago
Silicon Metal Market Review for January and Outlook for February
Read More
Silicon Metal Market Review for January and Outlook for February
Silicon Metal Market Review for January and Outlook for February
In January, the silicon metal market experienced a relatively loose supply-demand balance, with a theoretical inventory buildup of approximately 30,000 mt. In February, both supply and demand contracted simultaneously, and the market is expected to show a tight balance or minor destocking. The current high industry inventory still requires time to be digested, and the sustainability of destocking remains a key variable affecting price trends and market sentiment.
20 hours ago
A plant in northern China is calling for bids for indium ingots and bismuth ingots
Feb 6, 2026 15:36
A plant in northern China is calling for bids for indium ingots and bismuth ingots
Read More
A plant in northern China is calling for bids for indium ingots and bismuth ingots
A plant in northern China is calling for bids for indium ingots and bismuth ingots
SMM, February 6 - According to SMM’s investigation of market information, a large smelter in northern China began public bidding for a certain quantity of indium ingots and bismuth ingots starting yesterday. Market sources indicate that the starting price for these indium ingots exceeds 4,000 yuan per kilogram, while the starting price for bismuth ingots is above 150,000 yuan per ton. The bidding results are expected to be announced before the Spring Festival. Market participants note that, given the clear trend of sluggish trading activity ahead of the Spring Festival, the timing of this bidding is not ideal. However, the relatively favorable starting prices have generated considerable market anticipation for the outcome of the bidding.
Feb 6, 2026 15:36
[SMM Analysis] Futures Lack Momentum to Rise Further, Pre-Holiday Demand Stalls, and Stainless Steel Social Inventory Accumulation Intensifies
Feb 5, 2026 19:18
[SMM Analysis] Futures Lack Momentum to Rise Further, Pre-Holiday Demand Stalls, and Stainless Steel Social Inventory Accumulation Intensifies
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Futures Lack Momentum to Rise Further, Pre-Holiday Demand Stalls, and Stainless Steel Social Inventory Accumulation Intensifies
[SMM Analysis] Futures Lack Momentum to Rise Further, Pre-Holiday Demand Stalls, and Stainless Steel Social Inventory Accumulation Intensifies
Feb 5, 2026 19:18