CBMM will invest around BRL 500 million to expand its production line and reach 3 thousand tons of niobium oxide for batteries in 2024

CBMM, the largest niobium producer on the planet, is targeting the growing demand for electrification and will build a new niobium oxide factory at its unit in Araxá, MG. Scheduled to be inaugurated in early 2024, the new plant will have the capacity to supply 2 tons of niobium per year! In addition, the company is developing new technologies with graphene oxides in the unit.

The construction of the new plant came about through a partnership between CBMM and Echion Technologies, known for producing niobium technology in addition to having expertise in the battery segment.

niobium oxide will be applied in the technology of Echion called XNO, which uses the material in the anode of battery cells, which, according to CBMM, allows ultra-fast charging, provides greater useful life and also brings more safety.

New niobium factory will supply material equivalent to 1GWh of battery cell production!

The production of the new unit will supply material equivalent to 1GWh of battery cell production.

CBMM informed that around R$ 500 million will be invested to expand its production line of niobium oxides, which includes the new factory.

The company, which intends to have 25% of its revenue from non-steel products by 2030, will produce a total of 3 thousand tons of niobium oxide for batteries in 2024.

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

CBMM comes from an investment of BRL 3 billion over the last eight years and continues to expand. Today, they are produced and sold about 85 thousand tons per year of niobium 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.

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.

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, 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 Innovations, Marcos Pontes. The unit will have the capacity to produce up to five thousand kilograms of high quality per year.

Graphene is a material recognized worldwide for its incredible physical properties, such as high mechanical strength, lightness, malleability and high thermal and electrical conductivity. O Brazil is the world's third largest supplier of the mineral graphite, and has the world's second largest 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. Outros.