Brazil holds 90% of all global reserves of niobium. The investment in research already practiced will guarantee the country's leading role in the global niobium revolution

Niobium, a transition metal capable of transforming the properties of other materials and abundant in Brazil, becomes a true wildcard for the industry, present in different segments, such as urban mobility, infrastructure, energy, health and aerospace engineering. Brazil, the biggest reference in the production of the metal in the whole world, will become a protagonist in the global technological revolution, which this metal promises to bring about.

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The leading niobium producer in the world, the Brazilian CBMM, invests between R$ 150 million and R$ 200 million in the technology program, which aims to develop new solutions and applications based on niobium for different sectors.

Brazil holds 90% of all global niobium reserves

90% of the niobium world market belongs to Brazil, with CBMM being a pioneer in the development of its numerous applications. “If we go back six decades in time, the market was zero. CBMM, in addition to developing processes in Araxá, did a great job of explaining to the world the benefit of adding this metal in the most diverse applications, both in Brazil and abroad. Perhaps this is the main virtue that made the company a world reference”, said Giuliano Fernandes, head of marketing and communication of the mining company.

But, after all, what is this metal so abundant in Brazil used for?

Over the years, with the advancement of materials science, the main characteristics of niobium were discovered: high thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability, ductility — which is the ability to deform without breaking —, high resistance to corrosion, heat and wear. Among its numerous applications, the best known is related to the steel industry, a segment that has used the metal for over half a century.

To give you an idea, 80% of CBMM's sales volume caters to the steel industry. When mixed with purified niobium, steel is considerably stronger, which is why the metal has expanded into the energy sector. The metallic alloy of ferroniobium is also fundamental for the transport of gas. “All gas piping uses niobium. Small amounts change the composition of the steel. When you refine the grain and give the steel its properties, it becomes stronger, tougher. So, for the gas piping, it is very important”, explained Rogerio Pastore, head development of the global market (energy sector) of CBMM.

The nanocrystals, materials 10 times smaller than a grain of steel, are produced in the form of ribbons, from an alloy with approximately 6% of niobium in its composition. The new composition is making waves in the electronics and automobile industries. “They have excellent magnetic properties. And today, with all this cell phone revolution, they are increasingly demanded. It is a material that grows at almost exponential numbers every year”, Pastore pointed out.

In addition, this magnificent metal has a transforming power in charging wireless cell phones. “The function of the nanocrystal strip inside the cell phone is to ensure that the device does not interfere with the charger and vice versa.”

In addition to contributing to the development of wireless, nanocrystals generate high precision in energy meters. In the automotive industry, the use of niobium batteries in electric cars reveals cooperation of this element for a more sustainable world. “Improving vehicle safety requires more resistant and more advanced materials, and niobium proved to be a great ally in this revolution that took place”, said Fernandes.

Niobium promises to revolutionize the aviation market

Aviation is also part of the revolution of this incredible metal. Currently, researchers are trying to find out if there is the possibility of making a niobium-based alloy in aircraft turbines. Science, in turn, works with applications to take us on longer flights.

The Falcon 9 rocket, launched in November last year, towards the International Space Station, carried the Dragon capsule with four crew members, and it has special alloys based on or containing niobium in the propulsion engines and the tip of the rocket.

Investment in research and development made Brazil take the first steps and become a reference in this segment for over six decades. This same investment will guarantee that the country will be the protagonist of the niobium revolution in the world.