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Kyocera Corporation is to build a new refining facility at one of its Japanese plants to recover tungsten carbide, the primary raw material used in cemented carbide, from used cutting tools. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in fiscal 2030.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has certified the initiative under its “Plan for Securing a Stable Supply of Critical Minerals” program (2026 Critical Minerals No. 5-1).
Tungsten is a critical mineral used as a primary raw material in cutting tools essential for manufacturing automobiles, aircraft, and other products. It is also used in semiconductors and electronic components.
However, Japan relies on imports for much of its tungsten consumption, making a stable supply increasingly important amid rising global demand and heightened supply risks.
To address this challenge, Kyocera has developed its proprietary “Amino Acid-Based Streamlined Process,” which utilises naturally derived amino acids. By reducing the number of steps required in the refining process, this technology enables efficient recovery of tungsten carbide from used cutting tools, helping promote resource circulation while requiring fewer process steps than conventional refining methods.
Kyocera has been working to extend the service life of cutting tools, promote their reuse through regrinding, and collect used tools. The new facility will further strengthen the company’s circular use of resources. Through this initiative, Kyocera aims to secure a stable supply of tungsten, strengthen supply chain resilience, and contribute to a resource-circulating society.
Pic courtesy of Kyocera