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The new reserve in Russia promotes movement in the niobium market, an essential mineral for cutting-edge technologies and widely explored in Brazil
Recently, mining company Polymetal announced the discovery of a huge reserve of niobium in Siberia, northeastern Russia. It is located in Tomtor, in the Republic of Sajaá.. Considered the third largest in the world, the deposit also contains large amounts of rare earths, essential for products such as smartphones, computers and fighter jets, according to the website Correio Braziliense.
The announcement generated great global interest, especially among investors and technology companies. Niobium is a strategic mineral with various industrial applications. Now, Russia plans to start studying the project. The expectation is that a mining plant to be built by 2025, with an estimated production of 170 thousand tons of niobium per year, according to information from the Russia Today channel.
Niobium: A crucial metal for modern technology
Niobium is a rare and highly valued metal. It has great importance in several sectors. In steel, for example, it makes the metal stronger and lighter.. Just 400 grams of the mineral niobium per ton of steel increases its strength, making it ideal for a variety of industrial applications.
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The main form of commercialization of niobium It is an alloy with iron, ferroniobium. This compound is used in automobiles, gas pipelines, aircraft turbines, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, particle accelerators, optical lenses, as well as jewelry and piercings.
Brazil: Global leader and the challenges of sustainability
Brazil is the world's largest supplier of niobium. The country has large deposits of the mineral, including one in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas. This reserve has 2,9 billion tons of niobium, but it cannot yet be explored, as it is in indigenous territory and preservation areas.
In addition, Brazil has an active mineral mine in Araxá, Minas Gerais, operated by CBMM. The Araxá reserve has more than 800 million tons of niobium, which can sustain production for more than 100 years. Some studies indicate that, considering deposits, production could last up to 400 years.
Global competition: The impact of the Siberian deposit
With the discovery of the mineral in Tomtor, Russia could become a major competitor in the market of niobium. This could change the global dynamics, currently dominated by Brazil. For Russia, the project offers a chance for economic advancement, in addition to increasing its influence in the mineral strategies market.
Experts indicate that, although Brazil continues to be the leader in the supply of niobium, Russia has the potential to stand out if it can exploit its reserves efficiently. However, this expansion also raises questions about environmental impact and the challenges of ensuring sustainable exploration.
Well… in Siberia, an inhospitable place far from everything. Our niobium is in a quiet place and close to the necessary logistics. But…
The place is relative… the Middle East is the most convulsive region on the planet… exports oil to the planet.
If there is demand there will be supply.
What's the point? Where is the return of this Niobium taken from Brazil???? Privatized roads and privatized Public Security. The State Police earn money from the government and then open a Security company for the common citizen to pay as well. Corruption is rooted in the DNA of Brazilians...
Hello Rafael, I agree with you. This mineral is also explored by the Moreira Sales family, who hold the mining rights. There is nothing left for us Brazilians.
And the battlefield only matters victory, it's winning and winning and winning I win Sergioguedes, only GOD the father of JESUS CHRIST, LIFE, LIFE, LIFE gave LIFE so that we may have LIFE, GLORY TO GOD, LIVE JESUS, Amen
They forgot about the CMOC mining company that mines niobium in the municipalities of Ouvidor/Catalão in Goiás