Rare Metals Company Chairman Found Murdered in Pingtung; 'Ammonium Paratungstate' Vital for Military, Semiconductors

A homicide investigation is underway after the chairman of a rare metals company was found dead in Fangliao, Pingtung County. The victim, identified as the 56-year-old chairman of Jingyuan Tungsten Technology Co., operated in the highly sought-after precious metals sector.

Jingyuan Tungsten Technology is notable as Taiwan's only enterprise specializing in the production of ammonium paratungstate (APT) and tungsten oxide powder, as well as the recycling of tungsten and cobalt metals. APT is a critical intermediate material in tungsten chemical processing. Its significance has grown substantially, particularly after China officially classified tungsten as a strategic mineral last year, tightening export controls and creating a substantial disruption in global supply.

Adding to the suspicion surrounding the case, the victim's home security system reportedly failed entirely after the incident. This malfunction has fueled local speculation and online discussion, given the company's sensitive industry and the material's strategic importance. APT is essential for producing high-purity tungsten materials used in the electronics and semiconductor industries. Furthermore, tungsten derived from APT possesses high density, hardness, and melting points, making it a core component for military equipment, including armor-piercing projectiles, and a critical high-temperature structural material for aerospace applications.

China's move to classify tungsten as a strategic mineral and its subsequent tightening of export approvals and quotas have led to a significant fracture in the global tungsten supply structure. The company's operations, located in the Pingtung Southern Industrial Park, are similar in industry to the recently high-flying "Lianyou Metal" company. With an annual production capacity of up to 4,000 tons, Jingyuan Tungsten Technology plays a vital role in the supply chain for both civilian and defense sectors.