Guardian Metal Resources' Tempiute Tungsten Project: A Strategic Bet on Critical Mineral Security in a Shifting Global Landscape

The global race to secure critical minerals has entered a new phase. As the U.S. grapples with a near-total reliance on foreign sources for tungsten—a mineral indispensable to defense, aerospace, and high-tech manufacturing—the strategic value of projects like Guardian Metal Resources' Tempiute Tungsten Project in Nevada cannot be overstated. With China dominating over 80% of global tungsten supply and tightening export controls, the U.S. is accelerating efforts to diversify its supply chains. Guardian Metal's Tempiute Project, a historic asset with modern-day potential, is uniquely positioned to address this critical gap while offering compelling investment upside.

Tungsten: The Overlooked Pillar of National Security

Tungsten's unique properties—extreme hardness, high melting point, and resistance to corrosion—make it irreplaceable in military applications. From armor-piercing projectiles to missile components and high-speed cutting tools, tungsten is a linchpin of U.S. defense capabilities. Yet, the U.S. has not produced a single commercial ton of tungsten since 2015, despite importing 6,550 metric tons in 2024. This dependency is now under threat: China's February 2025 export controls on tungsten compounds, coupled with a 25% U.S. tariff on Chinese tungsten materials, have created a perfect storm of volatility and scarcity.

The U.S. government has responded with urgency. The REEShore Act of 2022 mandates a ban on Chinese-sourced tungsten in military equipment by 2026, while the Department of Defense (DoD) has funneled $15.8 million into Canadian projects like Fireweed Metals' Yukon deposit. However, these initiatives remain nascent. For the U.S. to close the supply gap, domestic production—particularly in politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions like Nevada—is essential.

Tempiute's Strategic Edge: Infrastructure, History, and Modern Innovation

Guardian Metal's Tempiute Project, a co-flagship asset alongside its Pilot Mountain project, offers a rare trifecta of advantages: historical production, existing infrastructure, and a strategic location in one of North America's most mining-amicable regions.

• Infrastructure and Rapid Restart Potential: The project sits on patented mining claims with fully operational infrastructure, including ore loading facilities, mill buildings, and water systems. This eliminates the need for costly greenfield development and could enable a near-term restart of operations, a critical factor in a market where time is money.
• Historical Resource Base: Tempiute once operated as one of the largest U.S. tungsten producers for over six decades. Geological studies confirm a mineralizing system spanning 1.5 miles along strike and 0.25 miles vertically, with grades up to 0.4% WO₃. The company's recent acquisition of historical drilling data and 81 samples from site stockpiles is being used to refine resource models and assess near-term processing feasibility.
• Co-Producing Gallium: Beyond tungsten, Tempiute's deposits show promise for gallium, a critical mineral used in semiconductors and renewable energy technologies. The U.S. imports 100% of its gallium, making this dual-critical-metal play a strategic win.
• Tailings Reprocessing: A study of historical tailings could unlock millions of pounds of unrecovered tungsten and gallium, providing immediate cash flow and reducing environmental liability.

Geopolitical Tailwinds and Market Dynamics

The Tempiute Project's timing is impeccable. With China's export restrictions and the U.S. DoD's aggressive procurement goals (a 50% increase in FY-2025 tungsten requirements), the market is primed for a shift. Guardian Metal's focus on Nevada—a state with a long history of mineral production and supportive regulatory frameworks—positions it as a low-risk, high-impact player in this transition.

Moreover, tungsten's off-exchange trading model and lack of a futures market have created a pricing environment where physical premiums and long-term contracts dominate. Companies securing offtake agreements with floor-price clauses (e.g., Almonty Industries' $235/mtu deal with Plansee) are insulating themselves from volatility, a strategy Guardian Metal could emulate as it advances Tempiute.

Investment Case: Balancing Risk and Reward

For investors, Tempiute represents a rare combination of strategic alignment with U.S. policy goals and tangible operational progress. The project's infrastructure and historical data reduce exploration risk, while its dual-critical-metal potential (tungsten + gallium) adds value in a market where demand is outpacing supply.

Key risks include permitting delays (though patented claims mitigate this) and metallurgical challenges in reprocessing historical stockpiles. However, Guardian Metal's collaboration with experts like Dr. Lawrence Carter—a porphyry specialist—suggests a rigorous approach to these hurdles.

Conclusion: A Strategic Buy for the Long-Term

In a world where critical minerals are as vital as oil was in the 20th century, Guardian Metal's Tempiute Project is more than a mining operation—it's a cornerstone of U.S. mineral security. With the DoD's urgent need for domestic tungsten and the company's unique ability to leverage historical assets, the investment case is compelling. For those willing to bet on a future where supply chains are reshaped by geopolitics, Guardian Metal offers a rare opportunity to align with both market forces and national strategy.

Investment Recommendation: Position for a long-term hold, with a focus on catalysts such as the release of tailings reprocessing results, updates on gallium recovery, and potential partnerships with U.S. or Canadian off-takers. Given the project's strategic value and the current geopolitical climate, patience is likely to be rewarded.