China makes breakthrough in utilizing niobium resources
2025-01-14 14:49:51 [Print]
China has achieved a breakthrough in the efficient utilization of niobium resources, unlocking the economic potential of nearly 929,000 tonnes of niobium ore at a large-scale niobium-rare earth deposit in Miaoya, Hubei, according to the China Geological Survey.
The newly developed separation technologies improved the niobium content in the ores from 5%-8% to 17% and increased the recovery rate from 20% to 50%, while also enabling the extraction of associated rare earth elements, which significantly boosts the niobium supply in China.
This key technology breakthrough and application will provide an economical and feasible technical path for the utilization of low grade niobium resources in China and further ensures the country's self-reliance and security in niobium resources. China has identified 4.7 million tonnes of niobium resources, which are mainly located in Inner Mongolia, Hubei, Jiangxi, Xinjiang and Shaanxi.
The newly developed separation technologies improved the niobium content in the ores from 5%-8% to 17% and increased the recovery rate from 20% to 50%, while also enabling the extraction of associated rare earth elements, which significantly boosts the niobium supply in China.
This key technology breakthrough and application will provide an economical and feasible technical path for the utilization of low grade niobium resources in China and further ensures the country's self-reliance and security in niobium resources. China has identified 4.7 million tonnes of niobium resources, which are mainly located in Inner Mongolia, Hubei, Jiangxi, Xinjiang and Shaanxi.
Ferro-niobium 60-A EXW China
Unit:RMB/mt
China niobium oxide producers' inventory to production ratio statistics by province by month
Unit: %
