Study on the resource distribution and industry development of global niobium and tantalum

Global niobium and tantalum resources are mainly distributed in Brazil, Canada, Australia, Russia, Ethiopia, Congo(Kinshasa), Rwanda, and other countries, in which Brazil is with 80% niobium reserves, Australia and Brazil together are with 95% tantalum reserves.The main suppliers for the niobium and tantalum ore include Brazil, Canada, Congo(Kinshasa), Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.Brazil accounts for 88% of the world's total output in niobium mineral.Congo(Kinshasa) and Rwanda together account for over half the total output of tantalum mineral around the world.Due to the development of China's strategic emerging industries such as aerospace, medicine and nuclear energy, the demand for niobium and tantalum maintains vigorous condition.Therefore we suggest to increase domestic exploration investment and enhance the “go abroad” under the overall framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, ensuring the safety of national mineral resources.