3 Proton Lithium discovered the largest claimed tungsten deposit in the United States on August 1, 2026. The Financial Times reported the find at the Railroad Valley Minerals Project in Nevada.
Tungsten serves as a critical metal for the defense industry. The U.S. currently relies on imports after domestic mining ceased 10 years ago.
NASA is blocking access to a substantial portion of the mining claim. The agency states the area is essential for calibrating satellite signals.
Mining activity would reportedly interfere with these critical space operations. The standoff creates a conflict between strategic material security and national space interests.