Niobium Specific Specific Info
From the most remote corners of the Earth comes the fuel that makes modern life possible.
- Cant find what your looking for? Search your Keywords below.
Introduction to Niobium: Applications, Processing, and Market Insights
Tantalum (Ta) is a highly valuable metal known for its exceptional properties, making it indispensable across multiple industries. It plays a crucial role in electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and industrial manufacturing. From its widespread use in capacitors for smartphones and automotive systems to its application in cutting tools, SAW filters, optical lenses, and chemical process equipment, tantalum continues to drive innovation.
This section delves into key aspects of tantalum, including its applications, extraction and refining processes, production sources, and valuation methodologies. Understanding how tantalum is sourced, processed, and priced is essential for stakeholders in the mining, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
- Niobium (Nb)
Gallery: Niobium minerals
Minerals containing Niobium (Nb). All photos copyright T.I.C. 2019/2020
Further information
Tantalum and Niobium: Deposits, Resources, Exploration Methods and Market (Simandl et al, 2018)
British Geological Survey (BGS) profile on niobium and tantalum
Geology, Exploration and Mining: 101 website resources
KEMET
Harmonised system commodity codes
Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), this is a six-digit figure for describing internationally traded goods. Individual countries may further extend this code with an additional two or four
Superalloys (Nb)
Superalloys are a group of polymetallic high performance alloys that possess very high melting temperatures, high strength, and considerable resistance to wear in corrosive and oxidizing environments.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes an immeasurable contribution to improving human health. Every day MRI machines help medical professionals save and improve countless lives around the world. It is estimated
Applications for niobium
Niobium consumption is dominated by its use as additive to high strength low alloy steel and stainless steel for oil and gas pipelines, car and truck bodies, architectural requirements, tool
Processing: extraction and refining
Two separate processing schemes are utilized for niobium production. Those companies that mine pyrochlore convert the niobium oxide units into HSLA ferroniobium through the aluminothermic reduction process or by reduction
Production of raw materials
The primary mineral from which niobium is obtained is known as pyrochlore. The world’s largest deposit is located in Araxa, Brazil and is owned by Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e
Valuation basis
The T.I.C. as an international association is not allowed to gather data on nor discuss prices, forecasting or future trends, as this would be against our Charter and may raise