China makes key breakthroughs in niobium-rare earth utilization

China has mastered key technologies for the efficient utilization of niobium resources, enabling the economic development of large-scale niobium-rare earth deposits, industry newspaper China Metallurgical News reported on Monday.

Experts highlighted it as a significant technological breakthrough in China's rare earth sector, reinforcing the security of domestic niobium supply and mitigating the risk of rare earth resource constraints.

The breakthrough was achieved after the China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources collaborated with the provincial government of Central China's Hubei Province on a comprehensive project focused on developing advanced technologies for the efficient utilization of large-scale niobium-rare earth deposits in Hubei.

The initiative has successfully addressed critical technical challenges, unlocking an estimated 929,000 tons of niobium resources, it said.

The breakthrough has improved the grade of niobium concentrate from the conventional 5-8 percent to 17 percent, while raising the recovery rate from 20 percent to 50 percent, according to the report.

Also, it facilitates the comprehensive utilization of coexisting resources, including rare earth elements, iron and sulfur, thereby significantly strengthening the security of China's niobium supply, the report stated.

Niobium primarily occurs as an associated mineral. Hence, breakthroughs in separation and purification technologies could greatly improve niobium supply, ensuring stable applications across key industries, Wang Guoqing, research director at the Beijing Lange Steel Information Research Center, told the Global Times on Monday.

"As a strategic element, niobium plays a vital role in the nuclear industry, superconducting materials and defense. Its exceptional conductivity, corrosion resistance and high-temperature tolerance make it especially valuable in aerospace applications," Wang said.

This technological breakthrough will play a vital role in bolstering China's resource reserves and driving technological innovations in key sectors such as aerospace, helping reduce reliance on imports, Wang said. 

Additionally, strengthening rare earth resource reserves and technological capabilities is expected to bolster China's competitiveness and self-sufficiency in relevant global markets, experts said.

China has identified 4.7 million tons of niobium resources, ranking second globally, according to China Metallurgical News.