China’s tungsten blockade sparks new Australian supply play – Trigg Minerals (ASX:TMG) in the spotlight

China’s latest move to suspend tungsten exports from February 2025 has set alarm bells ringing across global markets.

As the world’s dominant supplier—accounting for over 80% of production—Beijing’s decision adds yet another layer of uncertainty to critical mineral supply chains.

But where there’s upheaval, there’s opportunity.

Trigg Minerals (ASX:TMG) may have stumbled upon just that, with its Wild Cattle Creek project emerging as an unexpected contender in the race to secure an independent tungsten supply.

Unlocking a Hidden Asset

Wild Cattle Creek has long been recognised as Australia’s largest antimony deposit, boasting an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 1.52 million tonnes at 1.97% antimony, containing nearly 30,000 tonnes of the high-value metalloid​.

However, tungsten—often found lurking within the project’s alteration halo—was largely overlooked, until now.

Recent drilling has confirmed that beneath the primary Wild Cattle Creek deposit lies a high-grade tungsten and antimony structure, with assays returning 2.14% tungsten (W) and 27.6% antimony (Sb) in Hole 10WRD16.

The results point to a parallel mineralised structure just 35 metres north of the main lode—still open along strike and at depth.

Trigg Minerals Executive Chairman Tim Morrison sees the discovery as a game-changer.

“Confirming Wild Cattle Creek as a stacked system by identifying the subparallel, high-grade Sb-W vein beneath the main lode creates a substantial opportunity to expand the mineral resource base.

While the deposit has historically been valued for its high-grade antimony, the strong tungsten association—previously overlooked—now suggests untapped potential for a broader critical mineral play.”​

A Geopolitical Tailwind

Tungsten isn’t just another battery mineral—it’s a strategic commodity.

With its unique hardness and high melting point, the metal is indispensable to defence, aerospace, and high-tech manufacturing.

The US and EU have both flagged it as a critical raw material, making China’s supply squeeze all the more concerning.

For Australia, this presents a rare window to capitalise on a sector long dominated by China.

Morrison believes Wild Cattle Creek could be a key domestic supply source, aligning with Australia’s strategic push for critical mineral independence.

“With China controlling much of the global tungsten supply, securing alternative sources is increasingly important.

This discovery could help position Trigg as a key player in the critical minerals sector, especially as Western markets look to diversify supply chains.”​

What’s Next?

Trigg plans to ramp up drilling and re-evaluate its resource model to incorporate tungsten alongside antimony.

If ongoing exploration proves continuity in the parallel vein structure, a resource upgrade could be on the cards, potentially elevating Wild Cattle Creek’s status as a major tungsten play​.

The bigger question is whether the company can leverage this geopolitical moment to secure government or industry support.

With global supply chains in flux, investors will be watching closely to see if Trigg can convert its discovery into a commercial success.

For now, the Wild Cattle Creek tungsten story is unfolding at just the right time—when the world needs it most.

Please note the following valuable information before using this website. 

Independent Research 

Market Open Australia is intended to be used only for educational and informative purposes, and any information on this website should not be taken as investment advice or guidance. It is important to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions, which should be based on your own investment needs and personal circumstances. Any investment decisions based on information contained on this website should be taken in line with independent financial advice from a qualified professional or should be independently researched and verified.