NCIE
NCIE
A valuable rare element has been discovered in China
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown type of ore with a unique composition. The invention has been highly praised for its superconducting properties.
The ore, called niobaotite, consists of niobium, barium, titanium, iron, and chloride. It was discovered by Chinese specialists in early October, reports Space.com.
It was the niobium in the ore that caused a stir among the scientific community. This light gray metal is now used primarily in steel production, which provides strength without adding much weight. Niobium is also used in the production of alloys. It can be found in particle accelerators and other advanced scientific equipment, where it is useful as a superconductor at low temperatures.
Niobaotite was discovered at the Bayan Obo mine in Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The brown-black ore was the 17th new species discovered at the deposit and one of 150 new minerals discovered in the region. This was announced by representatives of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
The discovery may come as a surprise to China, which currently imports 95% of its niobium production. "Depending on the quantity and quality of this niobium, it could make China self-sufficient," said Antonio J. Castro Neto.
It is expected that the metal will be in high demand in the future. Modern researchers are already studying the processes of creating new niobium-lithium and niobium-graphene batteries.
Niobium-lithium batteries have a lower risk of fire than traditional lithium batteries. They also charge faster (less than 10 minutes) and can be charged more often. According to some scientists, they can last about 30 years, which is about 10 times longer than lithium-ion batteries.
