A world leader in niobium production, Cia. Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) faces the challenge of exceeding global demand for this important mineral. Primarily used in alloys and stainless steels, niobium is at the heart of many industrial applications such as aircraft engines and bridges.
Under the direction of the company’s CEO, Ricardo Lima, CBMM not only produces more niobium than the world uses, but also seeks innovative markets. Toshiba Corp. And a collaboration with Volkswagen AG is already underway, aimed at exploring the potential of niobium in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The company is building a plant to produce niobium oxide, with an initial capacity of 3,000 tonnes, with expansion expected to increase this figure to 20,000 tonnes. This expansion reflects not only CBMM’s commitment to innovation, but also its adaptability in a changing market.
CPMM already marketed 600 tonnes of niobium oxide for batteries in small vehicles last year and expects to double that figure this year. This advance is a step toward using safer and more efficient EV battery technologies, as demonstrated by the upcoming launch of an electric bus that uses a combination of niobium and titanium oxide in its batteries.
Pioneering battery technology
CBMM’s push into EV batteries represents a significant move toward battery technologies that enable higher nickel and lower cobalt content, reducing the risk of fire and explosion. Next month the company plans to unveil the first electric bus using the technology, which could revolutionize commercial transportation and later be extended to mining trucks.
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