Since the implementation of the new round of breakthroughs in mineral exploration strategy, the China Geological Survey of the Ministry of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the People’s Government of Hubei Province, has carried out comprehensive utilization technology research and development of the Miaoya ultra large niobium rare earth deposit in the Zhushan Zhuxi area of northwest Hubei Province. The key core technology for efficient utilization of niobium resources has been overcome, and 929000 tons of niobium resources will be activated to achieve economic utilization of the Miaoya ultra large niobium rare earth deposit.
The breakthrough and promotion of key core technologies for the comprehensive utilization of niobium resources in northwest Hubei will provide an economically feasible technological path for China’s low-grade and difficult to utilize niobium resources. This is of great significance for China’s self-sufficiency in niobium resources and the improvement of its security capabilities.
Niobium has the characteristics of corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and is an indispensable key metal in the fields of aerospace, national defense, military industry, and nuclear energy. It is an important strategic resource. China has discovered 4.7 million tons of resources, ranking second in the world, concentrated in areas such as Baiyun Obo in Inner Mongolia, Liangzhu in Hubei, Yichun in Jiangxi, Baicheng in Xinjiang, and Huayangchuan in Shaanxi. Compared with foreign countries, niobium resources in China generally have complex ore properties, low grades, and are difficult to utilize.
The exploration history of Miaoya niobium rare earth mine can be traced back to the 1960s, but due to technological limitations, it has always been difficult to achieve resource development and utilization. Through comprehensive utilization of technological breakthroughs, Chinese geological researchers have innovatively developed niobium rare earth separation technology, achieving significant breakthroughs in key core technologies for efficient utilization of niobium resources. The grade of niobium concentrate has increased from 5% to 8% in traditional processes to 17%, and the recovery rate has increased from 20% to 50%. At the same time, the comprehensive utilization of associated rare earth, iron, sulfur and other resources has been achieved, effectively ensuring the security of niobium resource supply in China.