Brazil dominates global niobium market with exports worth R$11 Bn in 2023

Brazil has emerged as the world’s leading producer and holder of niobium (Nb) reserves, accounting for approximately 90% of global production and 95% of known reserves. The largest reserves can be found in Minas Gerais, Amazonas, Goiás, Rondônia, and Paraíba.

In 2023, niobium exports increased by 4.7% in volume to 86.3 thousand tons. In value, there was an increment of 9.4%, reaching US$ 2.25 billion (R$ 11.25 billion).

Niobium is primarily found in carbonatite complexes, alkaline rock formations rich in carbonates, phosphates, silicates, and possibly niobium minerals. Niobium, a rare metal with high strategic value, is primarily used in steel alloys to improve strength, lightness, and energy efficiency. Its applications include superconductors, the aerospace industry, electronics, and medicine, among others.

Additional information on Niobium (Nb)

In 1801, English chemist Charles Hatchett discovered the chemical element niobium, initially named columbium.

Niobium possesses chemical and physical characteristics similar to tantalum, another element with which it often coexists. This similarity led to confusion until 1865 when the distinction between the two elements was definitively established.

The name “niobium” is inspired by Niobe, a character from Greek mythology, the daughter of King Tantalus.

Source: O Cafezinho

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