The production of niobium-bearing ferro-alloys in the USSR

Various types of niobium-containing raw materials used in the production melting of alloys which utilize niobium additions are discussed. The details of the production of such alloys are presented. The composition of concentrate, of the technically available forms of niobium and of various types of ferroniobium and niobium alloys is reported. Methods used to facilitate increased extraction of niobium and the elimination of residual elements are described. (AU)