3DA to supply Space X?, page-4

I have pinched part of an article about Niobium from SGQ. Its interesting. I do not have any SGQ.


Niobium; The Silent Powerhouse Fuelling
Tomorrow’s Technologies
Niobium is a silvery-grey, ductile metal with the chemical symbol Nb and atomic number 41.
Discovered in 1801 by English chemist Charles Hatchett, it was initially named "columbium" after
the United States but later renamed to niobium to align with international naming conventions1.
1 Source: Britannica

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Found primarily in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite, niobium is never encountered in its
pure form in nature2.
Global Production and Market Dynamics
Brazil dominates the global niobium market, accounting for approximately 90% of the world's
production, followed by Canada with about 8%. The market size is estimated at 117.45 kilotons in
2025 and is expected to reach 188.47 kilotons by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of 9.92% during the forecast period.
3.
Applications and Benefits of Niobium
Applications and benefits of Niobium include:
1. Steel Industry
Approximately 80% of niobium is used in the steel industry to produce high-strength, low-alloy
(HSLA) steels4. Even small additions of niobium (as little as 0.01%) can significantly enhance the
strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance of steel5. This makes it invaluable in constructing
pipelines, automotive components, and structural frameworks.
2. Aerospace and Superalloys
Niobium-based superalloys are essential in the aerospace industry. Alloys like C-103, composed of
89% niobium, 10% hafnium, and 1% titanium, are used in rocket engines and jet turbines due to
their ability to withstand temperatures above 1,000°C.
3. Superconducting Materials
Niobium's superconducting properties make it critical in medical imaging and particle physics.
Niobium-titanium (NbTi) and niobium-tin (Nb₃Sn) alloys are used in MRI machines and particle
accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider, which utilizes approximately 600 tons of
superconducting strands.
4. Energy Storage and Batteries
Recent advancements have shown niobium's potential in battery technology. CBMM, the leading
niobium producer and St George’s Araxá Project’s neighbour, in collaboration with Toshiba and
Volkswagen, has developed a niobium-based lithium-ion battery capable of fully charging in just
ten minutes. This battery also boasts a lifespan up to three times longer than conventional batteries
and operates at lower temperatures, reducing the risk of overheating.
5. Medical Applications
Due to its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, niobium is used in medical implants such
as pacemakers and prosthetics. Its hypoallergenic properties also make it suitable for surgical
instruments and jewellery.
6. Electronics and Optics
2 Source: Webelements/Niobium
3 Morder Intelligence
4
livescience/Facts About Niobium
5 Admatinc/Facts About Niobium: Production, Properties, Applications, and Availability
Niobium is a
versatile and
increasingly
valuable element
across multiple
industries due to its
unique physical and
chemical
properties. In the
steel industry,
which consumes
around 80% of
global niobium
supply, it is
essential for
producing highstrength, low-alloy
steels used in
pipelines,
automobiles, and
large-scale
construction.

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Niobium is utilised in the production of capacitors, particularly as an alternative to tantalum
capacitors. Additionally, niobium-doped glass is used in camera lenses and optical fibres to enhance
refractive indices.
Figure 10: Applications of Niobium
Source: Admatinc and East Coast Research
Environmental and Economic Advantages of Niobium
Niobium's ability to strengthen materials means less material is required for the same structural
integrity, leading to weight reduction and energy savings. For instance, in the automotive industry,
using niobium-alloyed steel can reduce vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency and reducing
emissions.
Environmental and economic advantages of Niobium include:
1. Enhancing Sustainability Through Recycling
Niobium recycling presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impacts associated
with its extraction and processing. Recent studies indicate that up to 90% of niobium can be
recovered from scrap materials using advanced hydrometallurgical techniques. This high recovery
rate substantially lowers the carbon footprint compared to traditional mining methods6.
6 MarketReach/Niobium Recycling Market

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Despite this potential, the current global recycling rate for niobium remains relatively low,
estimated between 20% and 30%. This underutilization suggests a significant opportunity to
improve sustainability by enhancing recycling practices7.
2. Energy Savings and Emission Reductions
Recycling niobium not only conserves the metal but also leads to substantial energy savings.
Detailed calculations show that recycling niobium could save approximately 133 to 161 million
gigajoules (GJ) of energy between 2010 and 2050. This energy conservation also contributes to a
significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions8.
3. Economic Growth and Market Expansion
The global niobium market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand in various
industries. The market size is estimated at 117.45 kilotons in 2025 and is expected to reach 188.47
kilotons by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.92% during the forecast period9.
This growth is attributed to niobium's critical role in enhancing the strength and durability of steel,
which is essential in construction, automotive, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, niobium's
applications in emerging technologies, such as electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy
systems, are expanding its market potential.
4. Strategic Importance and Supply Chain Security
Niobium is considered a critical raw material due to its unique properties and limited sources of
production. Brazil dominates the global niobium market, accounting for approximately 90% of the
world's production. This concentration raises concerns about supply chain security, especially as
demand continues to rise.
To mitigate potential supply risks, efforts are being made to diversify sources and enhance
recycling practices. Developing a circular economy for niobium is strategically important to
diversify the supply chain, reduce environmental burden, and increase market acceptance of
secondary products10.
5. Supporting Renewable Energy and Green Technologies
Niobium plays a vital role in the development of renewable energy technologies. Its use in highstrength, low-alloy steels contributes to the construction of wind turbines and other renewable
energy infrastructure. Moreover, niobium's incorporation into lithium-ion batteries enhances their
performance, offering faster charging times and longer lifespans.
Strategic Importance of Niobium in National Security
Niobium is designated as both a critical and strategic mineral by the U.S. government, underscoring
its essential role in national security and the challenges associated with its production. Its unique
properties—such as high melting point, superconductivity, and corrosion resistance—make it
7
link.springer/ Circularity Reinforcement of Critical Raw Materials in Europe: A Case of Niobium
8 Researchgate / Environmental Sustainability of Niobium Recycling the Case of the Automotive Industry
9 Mordorintelligence / Niobium Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)
10 Beta Technology / A Circular Economy for Niobium the Challenge of Recycling
Niobium's strategic
value extends
beyond commercial
use into the realm
of national defence,
where it is
classified by the
U.S. government as
a critical mineral. Its
high performance in
extreme conditions
makes it vital for
developing
advanced military
technologies,
including jet
engines, armoured
vehicles, and
missile systems.
Given that the
global supply is
dominated by one
or two producers,
this dependency
poses security
challenges to the
countries around
the world.

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indispensable in the manufacturing of advanced defence systems, including jet engines, missile
components, and other military-grade equipment.
Recognising the strategic importance of niobium, the U.S. has taken steps to secure its supply chain.
The Department of Defence (DoD) has identified niobium as essential for national defence and has
included it in the National Defence Stockpile. Efforts are underway to diversify sources, including
domestic production and international partnerships, to mitigate reliance on a single supplier.
Challenges and Opportunities in Niobium Supply Chain Diversification
The global supply chain for niobium is heavily concentrated, posing significant risks. Diversifying
this supply chain is not only a strategic imperative but also presents numerous opportunities for
economic growth and technological advancement.
Current Supply Chain Landscape
As of 2025, Brazil dominates niobium production, accounting for approximately 90% of the global
supply, primarily through Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM). Canada
follows with about 8.4% of production11. This concentration creates potential vulnerabilities,
especially as demand continues to grow for advanced applications12.
Figure 11: Global Niobium Production by Country (2025
estimate)
Source: Financial Times and East Coast Research
11 Financial Times / Brazilian niobium carves out an energy niche
12 Discoveryalert / Niobium and Its Applications: Essential Properties for Modern Industry

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Challenges in Diversification
1. Geopolitical Risks
The heavy reliance on one company / one country for niobium supply puts the global market at
risk. Any political instability, regulatory changes, or trade restrictions posed by that single company
/ country could disrupt the supply chain, affecting industries worldwide.
2. Limited Alternative Sources
While niobium deposits exist in other countries, such as Canada and Australia, their production
capacities are currently very limited. Developing these resources requires significant investment
and time, posing a challenge to rapid diversification.
3. Infrastructure and Technological Barriers
Establishing new mining operations and processing facilities involves overcoming substantial
infrastructure and technological hurdles. This includes securing funding, obtaining environmental
approvals, and developing the necessary expertise. This gives niobium projects like St George’s
Araxá Project a significant advantage, thanks to the existing infrastructure and established niobium
production expertise in the area that can accelerate development timelines while reducing costs
and execution risks.
Opportunities for Diversification
1. Development of New Mining Projects
Efforts are being made in countries like Canada to develop new niobium mining projects to
diversify the niobium supply chain. For instance, Taseko Mines' Aley project in British Columbia –
a relatively low-grade niobium project with feasibility studies ongoing – aims to produce
approximately 9,000 metric tons of niobium annually, contributing to supply diversification13. The
Araxa Project, with its high-grade niobium deposit and favourable project logistics, creates an
opportunity for St George to be the next niobium producer to come to market.
2. Recycling and Circular Economy
Enhancing niobium recycling efforts can provide a sustainable and diversified supply source.
Advanced recycling technologies enable the recovery of niobium from end-of-life products,
reducing reliance on primary mining.
3. International Collaborations
Collaborative efforts among countries can facilitate the sharing of technology, expertise, and
resources to develop alternative niobium sources. Such partnerships can accelerate the
establishment of new supply chains and promote global stability. St George Mining’s development
of the Araxá Niobium-REEs Project in Brazil exemplifies international collaboration. The company
is leveraging Australia’s mining expertise alongside Brazil’s established niobium production
capabilities to expedite the project's development.
13 Miningnewsnorth / B.C. mine may diversify niobium market

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Conclusion: Niobium is Silently Fuelling the Future Technologies
Niobium's unique properties—strengthening capabilities, superconductivity, corrosion resistance,
and biocompatibility—make it indispensable across various industries. Its role in advancing
technologies, from aerospace to medical devices and energy storage, underscores its importance in
building a sustainable and efficient future. As research continues to unveil new applications,
niobium stands out as a critical material driving innovation and progress.
While challenges exist in diversifying the niobium supply chain, the opportunities and benefits far
outweigh the obstacles. Strategic investments in new mining projects, recycling initiatives, and
international collaborations are essential to build a resilient and sustainable niobium supply
network. Embracing these opportunities will not only secure the future of critical industries but
also drive economic growth and technological innovation.