Why in news?
Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a company best known for its zinc, lead and silver operations, has obtained a composite licence to explore and mine a tungsten block in Andhra Pradesh. This development marks HZL's entry into the strategic tungsten sector and signals India's efforts to secure supplies of critical minerals.
Background
Tungsten is a hard, dense metal with exceptional physical properties. On the periodic table it carries the symbol "W" and atomic number 74. Its melting point of around 3,422°C and boiling point above 5,500°C are the highest of all metals. Tungsten is commonly found in the minerals scheelite and wolframite and is mainly produced by China, Vietnam and Russia. Because of its hardness and high melting point, tungsten is alloyed with steel to make cutting tools and armour-penetrating projectiles. It is also used in light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes and high-temperature furnace parts. According to reference works, its density of roughly 19.3 g/cm^3 is comparable to gold.
Key points about the licence
- Composite licence: the Andhra Pradesh state government has granted HZL a permit that covers both exploration and future mining of a tungsten deposit. This streamlines the process of proving reserves and starting production.
- Diversification: by entering the tungsten sector, HZL seeks to diversify beyond its traditional focus on zinc and lead. Securing domestic sources of tungsten is vital for India's strategic industries such as defence, aviation and electronics.
- Global context: with China dominating global tungsten supply, countries like India are encouraging domestic mining to reduce import dependence. A successful project in Andhra Pradesh would strengthen India's position in the critical minerals value chain.
Tungsten's unique properties
- Highest melting point: Tungsten melts at about 3,422°C and boils at roughly 5,555°C, far above most metals.
- High density: Its density (19.3 g/cm^3) is similar to gold, making it useful for weights and counterbalances.
- Hardness: Combined with carbon to form tungsten carbide, it yields extremely hard cutting tools used in drilling, milling and mining.
- Refractory uses: Pure tungsten is used in light bulb filaments and electron tubes because it withstands high temperatures without melting.
HZL's step into tungsten thus aligns with national priorities and leverages the metal's exceptional properties.
Sources: Business Standard · Tungsten