China marks breakthrough in utilizing niobium resources

A breakthrough in efficiently utilizing niobium resources has been achieved, revitalizing 929,000 metric tons of niobium in China, the China Geological Survey announced on Monday.

This achievement unlocks the economic potential of a large niobium-rare earth deposit in Miaoya, a village in the northwestern part of Hubei province. It is the outcome of a collaboration between the CGS and the Hubei provincial government, the CGS said in a news release.

Niobium is known for its corrosion and high-temperature resistance, making it essential in aerospace, defense, and nuclear energy sectors. Although China holds the world's second-largest niobium reserves — 4.7 million metric tons — these resources have been difficult to exploit due to complex ore features and low niobium content in the ores, the CGS said.

After two years of research, geological experts developed new separation technologies for niobium and rare earth elements. This innovation improved the niobium content in the ores from 5 to 8 percent to 17 percent, while increasing the recovery rate from 20 percent to 50 percent, according to Chen Bingyan, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.

This technological breakthrough provides a cost-efficient method for utilizing niobium ore, marking a significant step toward ensuring China's self-reliance and security in niobium resources.

Li Shangyi contributed to this story.