Today’s infographic is the second in an infographic series with detailed and visually-arresting educational material about the modern industrial economy and its complexity. Yesterday’s infographic was about the XL Keystone Pipeline Project. Next weekend, we’ll cover other interesting resources and aspects of the industrial economy.

Tungsten is unique in its extremes. It’s extremely hard, heat resistant, dense, and environmentally benign. It’s used to make cemented carbide, one of the strongest and most durable compounds.

Tungsten’s supply is dominated by China, who has significant influence on its price. China holds 2/3 of Tungsten’s world reserves and produces 60,000 of the world’s 72,000 tonnes per year.

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41400cbb Tungsten: Its Sources and Industrial Uses [INFOGRAPHIC]