our metals: Niobium
Niobium
Niobium has been designated as “critical” by the US Government because of its many uses in essential civilian and defense technologies, and because its supply chains are highly limited. The US produces no primary niobium and imports 100% of the niobium we need. This is one reason why the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project is so strategic for the US.
When added to steel, Niobium makes an alloy that is stronger, lighter in weight, and highly resistant to corrosion. These steel alloys are known as High Strength, Low Alloy steels (HSLA).
Applications
Buildings & Mega-Structures
Steel strengthened with niobium is the backbone of modern skyscrapers, stadiums, and major infrastructure projects, delivering greater strength without adding weight or cost.
Pipelines
Niobium enables high-strength steel pipelines to safely transport oil and gas over long distances, withstanding intense pressure without increasing pipe weight or thickness.
Niobium/Nickel-Based Superalloys
From jet engines to rockets and military vehicles, niobium superalloys perform where other metals fail, withstanding extreme heat and mechanical stress in the most demanding applications on earth.
Bridges & Infrastructure
Longer lasting and more resilient, niobium-strengthened steel extends the lifespan of bridges and large-scale infrastructure projects that communities depend on for generations.
Automotive & Transportation
Niobium-strengthened steel helps automakers build safer, lighter vehicles that meet strict safety and emissions standards without compromising structural integrity.
Next-Gen EV Batteries
Faster charging and longer range are the defining demands of the EV market, and niobium-lithium-ion battery technology is emerging as a key solution to meet them.
Facts About Niobium and Demand Drivers
- ~90% of the world’s niobium is produced in only one country – Brazil – which increases supply chain risk and has forced the US Government to stockpile niobium.
- Lightweighting of transportation systems and strengthening of bridges and mega-infrastructure projects is also expected to drive additional long-term growth for niobium.
- Growth of the global niobium market is expected to rise sharply with the expected use of niobium in niobium-lithium-ion batteries, which enables faster battery charging and longer range for electric vehicles.
- Niobium has a highly liquid global market with many users and a growing number of applications.
Stronger and lighter steels for buildings & infrastructure mega-projects
0.025% of Nb in the steel of the Millau Viaduct bridge reduced the weight of steel and concrete by 60% in the overall project.
Light-weighting of transportation and strengthening of mega-infrastructure projects are expected to drive additional long-term growth
300g of Nb reduces the weight of mid-size car by 200 kg and increases fuel efficiency by 5%.
Faster charging, next-gen Niobium-Lithium-Ion batteries to drive demand
CBMM expects nearly 50 ktpa of Nb oxide sales by 2030 to support growth in demand.
Niobium: Element 41
To learn more about the element Niobium, please see the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Niobium page here.