Niobium

Niobium (Nb) is a lustrous, transitional, gray, ductile metal with a high melting point and relatively low density.

Niobium is the only metal that has superconducting properties.

Niobium is most commonly found in pyrochlore [(Na, Ca)2Nb2O6(OH, F)] and to a lesser extent in columbite [(Fe, Mn)Nb2O6].

Products:

• Ingots
• Alloys (with Ti, Zr, Mo, Ni)
• Powder
• Rods
• Wire
• Sheets
• Foil
• Pipes

Main application of niobium & its alloys:

• Production of superconducting materials;
• Niobium steels are used on pipelines, transportation (cars) and structural applications (bridges and buildings)
• Niobium super-alloys are also used for high-temperature applications in jet engines, gas turbines, rocket subassemblies, turbocharger systems and combustion equipment
• Niobium alloys are also used to manufacture superconducting magnets for medical (e.g., MRI) and scientific applications (the Large Hadron Collider, gravity wave detectors). 
• Niobium is hypoallergenic and is also used for medical implants and jewelry.

In connection with the construction of fusion reactors and fusion energy expansion, very large amounts of niobium will be needed in the next 8 – 12 years, and prices and demand for niobium is expected to rise 3 – 5 times in the next 10 – 15 years.

Global Demand: estimated to be at 97,208.01 tons by the end of this year and is projected to reach 189,890.44 tons in the next five years, registering a CAGR of over 10% during the forecast period.