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B&N Mining Launches Multi-Stage Tungsten Processing Program with Montana Tech Funded by the Army Research Laboratory
B&N Mining Launches Multi-Stage Tungsten Processing Program with Montana Tech Funded by the Army Research Laboratory
Program aims to validate a complete ore-to-metal tungsten processing pathway and advance development of one of the largest historic tungsten districts in the United States.
INDIAN WELLS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 1, 2026 / B&N Mining Inc. ("B&N"), in partnership with Montana Technological University ("Montana Tech") and its Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, has launched a staged technical program to develop and validate a fully integrated tungsten processing pathway.
The program will use scheelite-bearing material from B&N's wholly owned Atolia Tungsten Project. Its goal is to generate reliable technical data, reduce development risk, and establish a strong foundation for future pilot and commercial-scale operations. The initiative is funded by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), with additional in-kind support from B&N.
Program Overview
The program is structured into four coordinated stages. Together, these stages de-risk the project and demonstrate a scalable commercial pathway to tungsten.
Stage 1: Mineral Processing Development
Focuses on designing the ore processing plan, including material testing, crushing and grinding, and separation analysis. Gravity separation and flotation testing will be used as needed. Repeated testing will confirm expected recoveries, concentrate quality, and overall material balance.
Stage 2: Process Validation & Bulk Concentrate Production
Tests and confirms the processing plan and produces bulk scheelite concentrate for the next stage of evaluation, bridging laboratory development with real-world process testing.
Stage 3: Intermediate Tungsten Production
Converts the concentrate into ammonium paratungstate (APT), a standard intermediate product used in tungsten production.
Stage 4: Metal Production
Completes the process by converting APT into tungsten oxide and then reducing it to tungsten metal powder under scalable conditions suitable for industrial use.
Project Progress
B&N has already delivered three 55-gallon drums of material to Montana Tech for the program, including:
Black Hawk placer material
Spud Patch placer material
Hard rock scheelite vein samples
About Tungsten
Tungsten is a critical material known for its strength, durability, and extremely high melting point. It is widely used in:
Cutting and drilling tools
Aerospace components
Electrical systems
Medical instruments
Radiation shielding
Defense technologies
Currently, the United States has no primary domestic tungsten production and relies heavily on imports, highlighting the importance of developing secure domestic supply chains.
The Atolia Opportunity
The Atolia area is the fourth-largest historic tungsten-producing district in the United States, with approximately 24.7 million pounds of tungsten trioxide produced historically-most from properties now controlled by B&N.
Significant remaining resources exist in placer deposits at Black Hawk and Spud Patch, along with additional exploration potential. These assets form the foundation of the Atolia Tungsten Project.
Industry Perspective
Sam Shoemaker, Chief Operating Officer at B&N Mining Inc., said the program will confirm a viable processing plan, evaluate potential value-added tungsten products, and advance the project toward production.
Robert Binkele, Managing Member of B&N Mining Properties LLC, commented: "The involvement of Montana Tech and the Army Research Laboratory marks an important milestone for B&N and highlights the growing need for domestic tungsten supply. Our goal is not only to mine tungsten at Atolia, but to help establish a complete U.S.-based processing pathway-from ore to finished products. This program moves us significantly closer to that objective."
Qualified Person Statement
Sam Shoemaker, MMSA, SME and COO of B&N Mining Inc. is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this release.
About B&N Mining Properties LLC
B&N is focused on revitalizing the historic Rand Mining District while responsibly developing its portfolio of gold, silver, and tungsten assets in southeastern California.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 760-409-7117
Website: www.bnmininginc.com
SOURCE: B&N Mining, Inc.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
O.Martin--SMC
