Mitsubishi Materials U.S.A. Is Establishing Domestic Tungsten Recycling Program in North America

Mitsubishi Materials U.S.A. is establishing a domestic tungsten recycling program in North America.

Mitsubishi Materials U.S.A. supports the drilling industry by supplying down-the-hole (DTH) hammers and bits as well as casing advancement systems. Mitsubishi Materials is also one of the few rock-tool companies that develops and manufacturers its own carbide buttons in-house. Its Japanese-produced buttons are engineered specifically for Mitsubishi Rock Tools, giving it direct control over carbide grades, button design, quality, and performance.

In April 2026, Mitsubishi Materials further expanded its tungsten business by establishing a new Resource Circulation Division headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The division will lead United States recycling initiatives, help develop secondary smelting for critical minerals, strengthen domestic supply chains, and pursue strategic partnerships throughout North America.

Mitsubishi Materials is also building a global recycling network with the goal of achieving a 100% recycled raw-material ratio at its tungsten production sites by the fiscal year ending March 2031.

Through this program, used carbide buttons from worn drill bits will be collected from distributors and end users, then processed to recover the tungsten and return it to the manufacturing cycle. The program will provide designated collection containers, clear guidelines for acceptable materials, and coordinated return transportation. Collected carbide will be weighed, documented, and processed through approved recycling channels, with reporting provided to participating customers. This closed-loop approach will reduce waste, strengthen the domestic supply of critical raw materials, and support a more sustainable drilling industry.

For drilling contractors, the company notes that by partnering with Mitsubishi Materials to recycle tungsten creates value from material that would otherwise be discarded as scrap. The program can provide an additional source of revenue, reduce waste-disposal needs, and offer a dependable recycling channel backed by a company that understands drilling tools and carbide materials.

Recycling with Mitsubishi Materials also helps strengthen the tungsten supply chain, reduce reliance on newly mined and imported material, and supports the future availability of high-quality drilling products.