Niobium / Ferroniobium (HSLA Steel + Superconductors)

World's dominant niobium producer, controlling ~75-80% of global ferroniobium supply from its Araxá mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Owned 70% by the Moreira Salles family (former Unibanco banking dynasty), 15% by a Japanese-South Korean consortium, and 15% by a Chinese investor group. The Araxá ore body contains approximately 70% of world's known niobium reserves. Products include ferroniobium, niobium oxide, and niobium metal. Expanding into battery-grade niobium materials (NbO2 anode).

Second-largest global ferroniobium producer, operating the Boa Vista mine in Catalão, Goiás, Brazil. Acquired from Anglo American in 2016 for US$1.7 billion. CMOC Group (China Molybdenum) is a Chinese state-linked mining conglomerate listed on HK and Shanghai exchanges. In 2024 CMOC Brasil set its production record of 10,024 tonnes Nb, representing ~11% of global supply. Also operates major copper and cobalt mines in the DRC.

Overtook Glencore as single-largest cobalt miner via Tenke Fungurume mine (DRC) in 2023; ~15% of global cobalt mine supply from TFM alone.

Operator of the Niobec underground mine in Saint-Honoré, Quebec — the only niobium producer outside Brazil and the world's third-largest ferroniobium producer. Acquired from IAMGOLD Corporation in 2015 by a consortium led by Magris Resources (with CEF Holdings and Temasek) for US$530 million. Produces ~7,500 tpy Nb (~6-10% global share). The mine has operated since 1976. Also processes ferroniobium on-site.