The tungsten and molybdenum industry in the Jiangyan district of Taizhou city – in East China's Jiangsu province – has made significant gains in the first seven months of the year, with sales topping 1 billion yuan ($138.68 million), a whopping 30.7 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
The strategic industry is said to be vital for various sectors – including steel, electronics, minerals and medicine – as it supplies critical raw materials.
Currently, one tenth of tungsten molybdenum products in China – such as steel, mining and metallurgy, medicine and electronics – come from Jiangyan district.
Recognizing the importance of the industry, the district is promoting its integrated development throughout the entire supply chain – focusing on production, education, research and applications.
A technology innovation center has been established in Yuduo town in the district, a renowned tungsten molybdenum specialist town.
Collaborations with domestic universities have facilitated the development of a versatile tungsten molybdenum series of products.
Additionally, efforts are being made to strengthen the entire industry supply chain, boosting the global applications of new products and technologies.
One of the leading companies in the district – Wanxin Tungsten & Molybdenum Products Co Ltd – has developed high-temperature alloy materials called molybdenum strips.
A worker handles molybdenum strips in Wanxin Tungsten & Molybdenum Products Co Ltd's workshop. [Photo/zhjjwx.jsjjw.cn]
These strips are said to be globally advanced and the company racked up sales of over 290 million yuan from January to July.
To overcome the challenges posed by foreign raw materials, the company has invested heavily in research and development in recent years, fostering innovation among its employees.