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Brazilian Metallurgy and Mining Company launches niobium anode factory with production of 2 tons/year by 2027
Electric mobility has been conquering the global market, and Brazil is not far behind in this movement, especially with the advancement of CBMM, the Brazilian Metallurgy and Mining Company, which is emerging as one of the pioneers in innovation for vehicle batteries. electrical. In a move that promises to transform the energy storage industry, CBMM has begun a new phase of expansion focusing on niobium oxides, a material that could accelerate the transition to more efficient and long-lasting electric vehicles.
The Growth of the Battery Sector at CBMM
Founded in the 1950s and controlled by the Moreira Salles family, CBMM holds 70% of the capital and also has partnerships with Asian consortiums. Traditionally associated with the production of iron-niobium alloys for the steel industry, CBMM is now focusing its efforts on developing innovative materials for the battery sector.
This decision reflects the growing global interest in sustainable solutions and, according to Rodrigo Amado, director of the New Materials and Applications division, projects revenue of US$400 million for 2024.
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This progress is impressive, considering that five years ago, CBMM’s presence in the battery market was virtually non-existent. Today, the production of niobium oxides for batteries has reached 23 tons, with an estimated revenue of US$XNUMX million in this segment alone.
In addition to batteries, the company also operates in other high-tech industries, such as optics, aerospace and medicine, totaling 11 thousand tons of ferroniobium equivalent sold this year.
New plant for the production of Niobium Oxide and XNO technology
An important milestone in CBMM's strategy is the new niobium oxide production plant in Minas Gerais, the largest in the world in terms of niobium-based anode production capacity, with an annual volume of 2 tons.
In an area of 2 square meters, this manufacturing unit has the potential to produce 1 GWh of lithium-ion cells. The anode developed with niobium, called XNO, has a unique ultra-fast charging capacity and is ideal for applications that require large amounts of energy, such as heavy vehicles and data center infrastructure.
This revolutionary material was developed in collaboration with Echion Technologies, a British company in which CBMM has a stake. The XNO anode, patented by Echion, aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce charging times for heavy vehicles such as electric buses, mining and rail vehicles, as well as industrial applications that require high performance.
Market impact and future prospects
CBMM’s push into the electric mobility sector comes at a time when the battery market is expanding rapidly. The company projects global demand for energy storage capacity of about 5 terawatts over the next ten years, up from 600 gigawatts last year. CBMM aims to capture a significant share of this market, with a target of 20 tons of niobium oxide capacity by 2030, which would generate an estimated annual revenue of $500 million at current prices.
The expected demand for the XNO anode is equivalent to 2% of global capacity, and CBMM aims to capture 10% of this volume by 2028. Niobium anode technology offers significant competitive advantages, such as the ability to withstand more than 10 charging cycles, long service life and safe charging in extreme conditions. For each kWh of power, 2 kilograms of niobium are required, which represents a substantial amount of material in the anode and allows fast charging without compromising safety.
Investments in research and development
CBMM's expansion in the battery market is supported by a robust budget of R$250 million per year dedicated to Research and Development, of which R$80 million is exclusively earmarked for the development of new battery technologies.
This funding has financed 42 projects in collaboration with international partners, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation and its vision of a more sustainable future.
To ensure competitiveness in the global market, CBMM continually invests in research, exploring possibilities to make niobium an essential element in the composition of lithium-ion batteries, especially aimed at the industrial and commercial market.
Benefits include increased durability and safety, which is particularly important in industrial environments and for heavy vehicles, where maintenance costs and risks associated with wear are high.
CBMM: A sustainable vision and the role of niobium in the future of energy
CBMM’s entry into the battery sector reflects a strategic transition by the company, which aims to have 30% of its revenue come from non-steel products by 2030. In 2023, the company recorded net revenue of R$11,4 billion, driven by the export of ferroniobium, the main destination of which is China. The new business division dedicated to battery materials not only diversifies CBMM’s operations, but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and advancing global electric mobility.
CBMM’s example demonstrates how the mining and metallurgy industries can adapt to the demands of the 21st century, offering solutions to global problems and contributing to the energy transition. By investing in innovative technologies and collaborating with international industry leaders, the company reinforces Brazil’s role as a protagonist in the renewable energy era.
CBMM’s investment in the battery market represents a paradigm shift in the Brazilian mining industry, proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The new niobium oxide plant, together with XNO technology, highlights the country’s potential to lead the global transformation in electric mobility.
With strategic investments and important partnerships, CBMM not only contributes to the future of electric vehicles, but also opens doors for the development of new applications and sustainable technologies, making niobium a crucial metal for the green economy of the future.
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