Dutch Mountain: Could Fast Track a New US Tungsten Producer

American Tungsten and Antimony (ASX: AT4) has completed first pass exploration at the Dutch Mountain Project in Utah. Early work has confirmed that the tungsten system is larger than initially interpreted and remains open in all directions, highlighting strong scale potential across the broader skarn district.

A key focus of the project is the Fraction Lode deposit, which hosts the Timm Mine and was the last operating tungsten producer in the United States before ceasing production in 2017. Historical mining reportedly targeted head grades of approximately 1.7% WO₃, with mineralisation occurring as coarse scheelite within skarn altered carbonates along intrusive contacts. Nearby deposits such as the E.H.B. Lode have also demonstrated grades around 1.3% WO₃, supporting the high grade pedigree of the district.

Recent exploration results from AT4 have strengthened confidence in the scale of the system. Grid controlled soil sampling and targeted rock chip sampling across the property identified widespread tungsten mineralisation at surface, including mineralised skarn outcrops at Fraction Lode. The work confirmed that mineralisation extends beyond previously mined zones and remains open, providing clear targets for follow up drilling. Samples have been submitted for laboratory analysis, with results expected to guide depth testing and expansion drilling.

Infrastructure Advantage Creates a Rare Opportunity

What sets Dutch Mountain apart from most tungsten projects within the United States is infrastructure. The project includes the only fully permitted tungsten processing facility in the Clifton Mining District. Permitting is typically one of the longest and highest risk steps in mine development, often taking many years in the United States. Ownership of a permitted plant removes a major bottleneck and creates the opportunity to fast track restart scenarios and early production.

AT4 is preparing a drilling Notice of Intent targeting previously disturbed ground around Fraction Lode to accelerate approvals while also commencing engineering reviews of the processing facility. This infrastructure led strategy could significantly reduce development timelines compared with greenfield projects.

Tungsten Is Strategically Critical for the Pentagon

Tungsten is a critical defence metal used in armour penetrating ammunition, missile components, aerospace alloys, electronics and high temperature applications. The United States currently relies heavily on foreign supply, particularly China, which dominates global production. Securing domestic tungsten supply has become an increasing priority for the Pentagon and US policymakers.

The strategic relevance of Dutch Mountain is further reinforced by engagement with government stakeholders, including meetings between AT4 management and US Senator John Curtis to discuss domestic critical mineral supply opportunities.

Market Precedent: Almonty (A$5.89B Market Cap)

The tungsten sector has already demonstrated how valuations can expand when projects move toward production in Western aligned jurisdictions. Almonty Industries, which is developing the Sangdong tungsten project in South Korea with support from US and allied partners, has experienced significant market capitalisation growth as it advanced toward production. This highlights investor appetite for secure tungsten supply outside China.

Dutch Mountain has the potential to follow a similar pathway if exploration success continues and the company leverages its permitted infrastructure to accelerate development timelines.

Hub Strategy Could Unlock Regional Potential

The Clifton Mining District hosts numerous historical tungsten mines that remain stranded due to the absence of local processing capacity. AT4’s ownership of a permitted facility provides the opportunity to establish a central processing hub capable of consolidating feed from multiple deposits across the district.

This strategy could materially enhance project economics while positioning AT4 as a regional tungsten processor rather than a single asset developer.

Strategic Positioning Across Antimony and Tungsten

With Antimony Canyon advancing alongside Dutch Mountain, AT4 is building exposure to two defence critical minerals with strong geopolitical importance. Both commodities face Western supply shortages and both are essential to military and industrial applications.