Production of niobium: Overview of processes from the mine to products

A number of industrial and technology sectors have been paying attention to a particular chemical element in recent years, namely niobium (Nb). There are many niobium deposits scattered around the world, and for each deposit different technologies are applied for extraction and processing due to the singular characteristics present at each site. In this paper, a review of the many technologies for niobium production will be presented starting at the mine, through techniques of niobium ore beneficiation and refining, technologies to produce ferroniobium alloy, oxides, special oxides, ammonium niobium oxalate, the separation of niobium from tantalum, and techniques to reduce and purify metallic niobium.