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Brazil holds the largest reserve of niobium in the world, a strategic metal that drives innovation in critical sectors. Understand the potential of this wealth and the challenges of transforming mineral dominance into technological leadership.
Did you know that Brazil is the custodian of the largest reserve of niobium in the world? This transition metal, with unique physical and chemical properties such as high resistance and superconductivity, is a true “technological fortune”, essential for advances in areas such as infrastructure, energy, health and electronics. With around 89% of the global reserves, the country has a unique opportunity.
However, having the largest niobium reserve in the world in Brazil This is just the beginning. The challenge is to transform this abundance into sustainable technological and economic development, adding value and consolidating national leadership in the production chain of this metal of the future.
Niobium: the strategic metal that Brazil has in abundance and its global importance
Niobium (Nb) is a soft, ductile transition metal with remarkable corrosion resistance. Its most impressive properties include a high melting point (2477 °C) and the ability to exhibit superconductivity at low temperatures. These characteristics give niobium unique versatility, allowing it to act as a crucial additive, transforming and optimizing other materials, especially steel.
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Its global strategic relevance lies in its ability to enable advances in critical sectors, aligning with megatrends such as electrification, urbanization and sustainability. By enabling the use of less material and contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint, niobium is key in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The dimension of wealth
Brazil holds an undisputed leadership: holds about 88,72% of the world's niobium reserves (Nb2O5, in contained metal), which corresponded to 14,2 million tonnes in 2023. In comparison, Canada, the second largest holder, had approximately 9,97%.
The main deposits that support this dominance of largest niobium reserve in the world in Brazil are located in Araxá (Minas Gerais), where the largest niobium mine in the world is located, discovered in 1953, and in Catalão (Goiás). Exploration is led by companies such as Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), responsible for around 75% of the global market, and CMOC Brasil, a subsidiary of the Chinese company CMOC.
The “technological fortune”
The most significant application of niobium is in steelmaking. Adding small amounts of niobium transforms ordinary steel into high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steels, allowing for lighter and more resistant structures in bridges, buildings, gas pipelines and vehicles, resulting in savings and less environmental impact.
In addition, niobium is vital in high technology: superalloys for the aerospace industry; metallic niobium for superconductors used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and particle accelerators; and niobium pentoxide in optical lenses. One of the most promising fields is next-generation lithium-ion batteries where niobium enables ultra-fast charging (less than 10 minutes), longer lifespan and greater safety, which is crucial for electric vehicles.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite holding the largest niobium reserve in the world in Brazil, the country's main challenge is add value to your production, which still focuses on the export of ferroniobium. The entire “technological fortune” of niobium lies in more complex products, such as high-purity metallic niobium, special oxides and battery components.
Overcoming this “innovation gap” requires robust investment in Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I), fostering collaboration between universities, research institutes and the private sector. It is crucial to develop a national niobium processing industry, taking advantage of knowledge already existing in institutions such as UFMG, UNICAMP and USP, and the R&D carried out by CBMM.
Is it worth a technological fortune????
I think the term was poorly formulated. For me the most correct term is worth a fortune. Technological would be the reason the material is valuable!!!
Here in Araxá, MG, one of the richest cities because of niobium,,,, we are paper. Because in reality we are left with only the mine hole. No schools, a college. A decent hospital... the population depends on Uberaba for everything...
In Catalão, when the minerals run out, only a hole will remain. The city will become an Ouro Preto, Sabará, etc.
They will not leave any leading universities, any industry, or even a dignified future for future generations.