April 16, 2025April 16, 2025NewsISMC-Iberiamine

Salamanca Positions Itself as One of the World’s Largest Tungsten Reserves

Salamanca stands out as one of the largest tungsten reserves globally, holding nearly 10% of the world’s total supply. This positions it as a strategic hub for the provision of critical raw materials in Europe. This is confirmed in an article by La Gaceta de Salamanca by Santiago Cuesta López, Director General of the National Cluster for Sustainable Mining (ISMC), who highlights the province’s key role in securing Europe’s mineral resource independence.

Barruecopardo: The Epicentre of European Tungsten

The Barruecopardo mine, located in the province of Salamanca, hosts one of the largest tungsten deposits in Western Europe. According to Santiago Cuesta López, Director General of ISMC and the ICAMCYL Foundation, this mining site has the potential to account for up to 13% of the world’s tungsten concentrate production outside China.

With estimated reserves of 8.69 million tonnes and a total resource volume of 27.39 million tonnes, Barruecopardo represents a strategic opportunity for Europe in its pursuit of autonomy in essential raw materials.

Sustainable Mining Revival in Los Santos/Fuenterroble

In addition to Barruecopardo, the ISMC Director also highlights the potential of the currently inactive Los Santos/Fuenterroble mine. Its revival could further strengthen Salamanca’s role as a key region in the sustainable extraction of tungsten in both Spain and Europe.

Tungsten: An Essential Material for the Technology and Defence Industries

Tungsten is notable for having the highest melting point of all metals (3,422 °C), exceptional resistance to corrosion, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties make it indispensable in strategic sectors such as:

Aerospace and defence industries
High-precision electronics
Cutting and drilling tools
Manufacturing of lamps and medical equipment, including X-ray devices

ISMC Driving Sustainable Mining of Critical Raw Materials in Spain

The ISMC Cluster leads the transformation of mining in Europe towards a sustainable, innovative model aligned with the EU’s strategic autonomy goals. Based in León, it brings together dozens of companies and institutions committed to the circular economy and the responsible production of key mineral resources.

Salamanca: Key to Europe’s Supply Security

In a global context marked by scarcity and reliance on third countries, Salamanca is emerging as a cornerstone in the European supply of tungsten. This leadership consolidates Spain’s position as a strategic player in the critical raw materials value chain, reinforcing the role of responsible mining in Europe’s energy and technological transition.

Salamanca Positions Itself as One of the World’s Largest Tungsten Reserves

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Instituto para la Competitividad Empresarialde Castilla y León

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GrupoHedisa Cor S.L

Business group whose industrial activity is oriented to two business units: the natural stone and construction sector, and engineering and manufacturing.

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Grupode Investigación TEP222de la Universidad de Jaén

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Global de Asesoramiento y Aplicación Técnica, S.L

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Geotecform

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Geosense

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Instituto para la Competitividad Empresarial
de Castilla y León

Ingeniería
y Seguridad Minera
de Baleares, S.L

Grupo
Hedisa Cor S.L

Grupo
de Investigación TEP222
de la Universidad de Jaén

Global de Asesoramiento
y Aplicación Técnica, S.L

Escuela Politécnica Superior
de Ingeniería
de Manresa

Equipos para minería
y construcciones S.A

Confederación Nacional
de Empresarios
de la Minería
y la Metalurgia

Colegio Oficial
de Ingenieros
de Minas del Centro de España

Cinclus Soluciones
S.L