The Metal That Everyone Wants to Buy: Why We Need Niobium

The video discusses niobium, a light grayish metal used in steelmaking to strengthen and lighten steel. Adding niobium to cars can reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. The market for niobium is concentrated, with Brazil being the primary producer. Recent transactions have sparked interest, but the market is risky due to potential oversupply. Pricing is challenging, with limited transparency. Niobium is primarily used in high-strength, low-alloy steel, with low usage intensity in China. Mining involves traditional processes, often as a byproduct, and market dynamics are influenced by major players like CBMM.

What are the implications of the concentration of molybdenum production in Brazil?

Explain how molybdenum is extracted and its relationship with phosphate mining.