Geologists find new undiscovered ore in China-Occupied-Mongolia, could be key for self-sufficiency

A team of Chinese geologists have reported a remarkable discovery of “niobobaotite,” a previously unknown ore with promising superconductive properties, according to the South China Morning Post. The ore deposit comprises niobium, barium, titanium, iron, and chloride.

The ore has been found in Inner Mongolia, a region that China claims as its own for decades now, and has designated autonomous region

Niobium, a versatile transition metal, is not only a crucial component in steel production but is also renowned for its superconductive abilities, enabling the efficient transmission of electrical currents at low temperatures.

This unique property has spurred global scientific interest in niobium-based batteries, which have the potential to be safer and offer faster charging than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

For China, which currently imports 95 per cent of its niobium, this discovery holds significant implications. Antonio Carlos Neto, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the National University of Singapore, explained, “Depending on the volume and quality of this niobium, it could make China self-sufficient.”

This newfound self-sufficiency could have a substantial impact on the nation’s steel industry and its participation in the competitive global battery market.

One of the key benefits of niobium-lithium batteries is their improved safety profile. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their susceptibility to catching fire, niobium-lithium batteries may eliminate this risk.

Additionally, these batteries have the potential for rapid recharging, with some researchers suggesting recharging times of ten minutes or less. This innovation could be particularly transformative for electric vehicles, making them more practical and attractive to consumers.

The niobobaotite deposit was discovered in the Bayan Obo mining district in Inner Mongolia. China’s state-run nuclear oversight body, the China National Nuclear Corporation, announced that the ore has received an official approval number from the International Mineralogical Association’s classification committee.

As of 2022, Brazil was the world’s largest niobium exporter, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of global niobium exports. Canada supplied approximately 30 per cent of the world’s niobium, and the United States was in the process of opening its first niobium mine in Nebraska. China, on the other hand, was Brazil’s top niobium importer, according to the 2022 US Geological Survey.

If the newly discovered niobobaotite indeed contains high-quality niobium, China could transition from being the world’s largest niobium importer to becoming the world’s primary source of this valuable compound. This shift has the potential to redefine the global niobium market, particularly in the midst of the fierce competition within the battery industry.