Tungsten West is moving the Hemerdon tungsten-tin mine in Devon into phased commissioning, bringing one of Europe’s largest undeveloped tungsten resources closer to a potential restart after the project’s previous operation was halted by technical and economic problems.
The company plans to begin commissioning in the third quarter of 2026, initially focusing on the fines gravity circuit and downstream processing infrastructure. The coarse gravity circuit is expected to follow in the fourth quarter, with broader commissioning scheduled from the first quarter of 2027.
The restart is strategically important because tungsten is a critical raw material used in hard metals, cutting tools, aerospace, defence and other industrial applications. China remains dominant in global tungsten supply, increasing interest in alternative sources in Britain and Europe.
Existing Infrastructure Supports Restart
Hemerdon benefits from approximately US$300 million of historical infrastructure, including mine workings, processing facilities, roads and power systems. This provides Tungsten West with a major advantage over greenfield projects by reducing the need for completely new infrastructure. The existing plant also reflects the problems encountered during the mine’s earlier operation. Tungsten West is therefore focusing on refurbishment, modification and process optimisation rather than simply restarting the previous configuration.
Processing performance will be critical. Recovery rates, plant availability, energy consumption, mining costs and consumables will determine whether the project can achieve sustainable economics. Tin production provides additional revenue, although tungsten remains the main value driver.
Financing and Commercial Risk
Tungsten West has secured a US$25 million bridge facility to support the project through initial production, alongside an approximately £22.3 million equipment-financing package with Komatsu for the mining fleet. The bridge facility carries interest of around SOFR plus 4.5% and has a 366-day term, making the commissioning schedule particularly important. Delays could increase funding requirements before the mine generates sufficient cash flow. A successful ramp-up, meanwhile, could strengthen Tungsten West’s ability to secure longer-term financing.
Critical Test for Britain’s Tungsten Supply
Hemerdon has an important advantage over many European critical-mineral projects because much of the physical infrastructure already exists and the project is approaching commissioning. The next several quarters will determine whether Tungsten West has successfully addressed the processing weaknesses that undermined the mine’s first operating phase.
If the revised plant delivers reliable recoveries and controlled costs, Hemerdon could become an important Western tungsten producer and contribute to Britain’s and Europe’s efforts to diversify critical-mineral supply. The commissioning programme will ultimately determine whether Hemerdon can turn its substantial tungsten resource and existing infrastructure into a commercially sustainable mine.
