Niobium

Niobium, also known as columbium, is a rare exotic soft metal that is primarily obtained from pyrochlore; a mineral found occurring in carbonatites. Well known for its corrosion resistant and highly conductive properties, niobium's melting point of 2,468°C enables the metal to maintain its qualities at very high temperatures. Due to these properties, niobium and its alloys are widely used in chemistry, metallurgy and electronics as well as in the medical, nuclear, and aerospace industries.

Approximately 89% of worldwide niobium consumption is dedicated to the production of stainless steel and high-strength, low-alloy steels; while 9% is used in the production of "superalloys" and the final 2% is used in the development of superconductor applications within the technology, electronics and medical industries.