Tungsten: France has a mineral treasure beneath its feet
France possesses a significant deposit of tungsten, a strategic metal that is essential for industry and defense. According to recent studies, the French subsoil contains approximately 100,000 tons of this precious material. However, no mining has been carried out on national territory for more than forty years.
Tungsten is a rare and highly resistant metal used to manufacture cutting tools, electronic components, and military equipment. Today, France depends almost entirely on imports for its supply. This situation creates a vulnerability for the French economy, as the global market is currently dominated by China, which controls a large portion of production and prices.
The cessation of French mining in the 1980s was mainly due to production costs that were too high relative to international market prices at the time. However, with the rise in global demand and current geopolitical tensions, the issue of industrial sovereignty has returned to the heart of the debate. Reopening mines in France would help secure supply chains for national companies.
Reviving this mining activity, however, represents a major challenge. Extraction projects must meet strict environmental standards and obtain the acceptance of local populations. The government must therefore evaluate whether the economic and strategic benefits justify the investments necessary to once again exploit these dormant resources.