Brazil has 1/3 of the reserves of graphite (or graphite) and approximately 97% of niobium, which, when combined with graphene, will revolutionize the destiny of humanity

The Brazilian Metallurgy and Mining Company (CBMM) announced a new round of funding for the expansion project of its unit in Araxá, in Alto Paranaíba, in Minas Gerais. The R$ 7 billion investment plan, recently announced by the Company, according to the Reuters news agency, continues to focus on increasing niobium production capacity. In addition, the company is developing new technologies with graphene oxides in the unit.

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CBMM comes from an investment of BRL 3 billion over the last eight years and continues to expand. Today, around 85 thousand tons of niobium are produced and sold per year and, according to Rodrigo Amado, executive manager of strategy and new business at the company, the investment will lead the company to more than double its production capacity. The goal is to reach 185 thousand tons per year by 2030.

Brazilian Company of Metallurgy and Mining, CBMM is developing new technologies with niobium oxides and graphene

“We are talking not only about expansion, but also diversification, since the expectation is that niobium applications will be outside the traditional steel industry, with 25% referring to the battery segment,” said Amado.

“CBMM has always been a company that develops new materials and applications. And, looking to the future, it began to invest in modernizing and diversifying the application of niobium, through special alloys. Electrification, for example, is one of the uses that has had the most impact and will impact the business, which is why it is fundamental within our growth strategy,” he explains.

On the mobility front, there are investments in technologies for electric batteries and other advanced materials for the automotive segment, for example. In addition, the company is developing new technologies with niobium oxides and graphene, elements that present great synergy in applications for this segment.

“But the applications don't stop there. Niobium is also a relevant metal for the global energy transition, contributing to the construction of smarter cities, being a fundamental element for alternative energy sources”, he adds.

In the niobium market for over 60 years, CBMM has more than 400 customers in Brazil and around the world and 90% of its revenues today come from the steel industry. The other 10% refer to special alloy applications, such as aerospace, medical and electronics, highlights Reuters.

Brazil gains the first and largest graphene production plant in South America, capable of producing up to 5000 kg per year, which together with niobium will revolutionize the destiny of humanity

The inauguration of the first and largest graphene production factory on an industrial scale in South America, which took place on July 09, was attended by the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, the Chief Minister of the Civil House, Luiz Eduardo Ramos, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Marcos Pontes. The unit will have the capacity to produce up to five thousand kilograms of high quality per year.

In his speech, the president, Jair Bolsonaro, highlighted the Brazilian potential: “We have a blessed homeland. Returning to the periodic table, we have all of it here in Brazil. Even in what is rare. We have around 1/3 of the graphite reserves, or graphite, in several states. We have approximately 97% of niobium, which, when married to graphene, will really revolutionize the destiny of humanity”, he said. Check the video below

About the material recognized worldwide for its incredible physical properties

Graphene is a material recognized worldwide for its incredible physical properties, such as high mechanical strength, lightness, malleability and high thermal and electrical conductivity. Brazil is the third largest world supplier of the mineral graphite, and has the second largest world reserve of this material, which is the main raw material for Graphene. It is estimated that this market will move, in 5 years, more than 3 billion dollars.

Among the products that use this raw material are: bulletproof vests, anticorrosive, self-cleaning and antibacterial paints, fabrics, motorcycle helmets, rebar for civil construction, batteries, among others.

A Civil House accompanies the policies for advanced materials, to promote the harmonization and regulation of this theme with the various sectoral actions carried out by the other ministries.