Pegmatite-hosted niobium (Nb) deposits are relatively rare compared to other types of niobium deposits, such as carbonatite-hosted deposits. However, there are notable examples around the world where niobium is found in pegmatites. Here are some key deposits and mines, including their grades where available:
Notable Pegmatite-Hosted Niobium Deposits and Mines
Araxá, Brazil
- Deposit Type: Carbonatite (not pegmatite, but a significant niobium source)
- Operator: CBMM (Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração)
- Grade: Around 2.5% Nb2O5
- Note: While this is primarily a carbonatite-hosted deposit, it’s worth mentioning due to its importance in global niobium production.
Catalão, Brazil
- Deposit Type: Carbonatite (not pegmatite, but significant)
- Operator: Anglo American
- Grade: Approximately 1.3% Nb2O5
Murrin Murrin, Australia
- Deposit Type: Lateritic nickel-cobalt deposit with niobium (not pegmatite)
- Operator: Glencore
- Grade: Variable, with some zones containing elevated Nb levels.
Pegmatite-Hosted Niobium Deposits
While true pegmatite-hosted niobium deposits with high grades (5%, 10%, or 40% Nb2O5) are uncommon, pegmatites often contain complex mineral assemblages, including niobium-bearing minerals like columbite-tantalite. Below are examples of pegmatite-hosted deposits known for containing niobium, though they may not reach the high-grade thresholds mentioned:
Greenbushes, Western Australia
- Deposit Type: Lithium-Tantalum-Niobium Pegmatite
- Operator: Talison Lithium
- Grade: Primarily known for lithium and tantalum, niobium grades are typically lower, but tantalum-rich zones can contain niobium.
Wodgina, Western Australia
- Deposit Type: Tantalum-Niobium Pegmatite
- Operator: Mineral Resources Limited
- Grade: Primarily tantalum-focused, with niobium present in lower concentrations.
Bikita, Zimbabwe
- Deposit Type: Lithium-Tantalum Pegmatite
- Operator: Bikita Minerals
- Grade: Known for lithium and tantalum, with associated niobium in lower concentrations.
Bernic Lake (Tanco Mine), Manitoba, Canada
- Deposit Type: Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) Pegmatite
- Operator: Sinomine Resource Group
- Grade: Primarily tantalum and cesium-focused, with niobium present in the mineral assemblage.
Grades and Resource Estimates
Finding pegmatite-hosted niobium deposits with grades as high as 5%, 10%, or 40% Nb2O5 in published Mineral Resource Estimates (MREs) is extremely rare. The majority of niobium production comes from carbonatite-hosted deposits, which tend to have lower grades but are economically viable due to large tonnages and higher recovery rates.
While pegmatites can host niobium, significant economic deposits with high grades are rare compared to carbonatite-hosted deposits. For high-grade niobium deposits, looking at carbonatite deposits such as Araxá and Catalão in Brazil is more practical. Pegmatites are more commonly known for lithium, tantalum, and other rare elements, with niobium often present in smaller, less economically significant quantities.
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