Tungsten West is preparing the Hemerdon tungsten-tin mine in Devon for phased commissioning, restarting one of Europe’s major tungsten resources after the previous operation encountered technical and cost difficulties. Commissioning is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026, initially focusing on the fines gravity circuit and downstream processing infrastructure. The coarse gravity circuit is planned for the fourth quarter, with broader project commissioning expected from the first quarter of 2027.
Existing infrastructure supports restart
Hemerdon already has around US$300 million of historical infrastructure, including mine workings, processing facilities, roads, power infrastructure and equipment. This provides an established physical base for the restart, although parts of the existing plant require modification and optimisation following earlier processing problems. The previous operation struggled with technical performance, recoveries and costs before production was suspended. The current development therefore places emphasis on improving processing performance rather than simply returning the existing plant to operation.
Financing supports commissioning
Tungsten West has secured a US$25 million bridge facility to support the project through initial production. The company also has an approximately £22.3 million equipment-financing package with Komatsu for the mining fleet. The bridge financing carries interest of approximately SOFR plus 4.5% and has a 366-day term, making progress toward production and operating cash flow important during the commissioning period.
Tungsten supply remains strategically important
Hemerdon’s tungsten output has strategic relevance because tungsten is used in hard metals, cutting tools, defence, aerospace and high-temperature industrial applications. China remains dominant in global tungsten supply, while the UK and Europe are seeking alternative domestic critical-mineral sources.
Tin will provide an additional revenue stream, although tungsten remains the project’s primary value driver. The economics will depend on factors including recovery rates, mining dilution, plant availability, energy consumption and operating costs. The fines circuit will provide an initial test of the revised processing flowsheet, followed by the coarse circuit and wider commissioning programme. The mine’s restart will depend on establishing reliable, industrial-scale production from the existing infrastructure.
