The evolution of FeNb manufacturing

This paper describes ferro-niobium manufacturing technology, and comments on alternative methods of production. A brief history of niobium illustrates the evolution of its applications and, as a consequence, the evolution of ferro-niobium manufacturing. The execution of industrial projects by the major niobium supplier, CBMM, is described, including the recent expansion plan, which has increased ferro-niobium production capacity to 45,000 t/y. CBMM’s future plans regarding ferro-niobium manufacturing technology are also discussed. (AU)