Chinese scientists discover new strategic mineral with superconductivity

Scientists in China have recently discovered a never-before-seen ore containing vast quantities of an element widely used in semiconductors.

Chinese geologists found rare earth metal “niobium” inside the new ore named niobobaotite from north China’s Inner Mongolia.

Niobobaotite is a strategic mineral with wide application potential and strong economic effect, especially in the military and high-tech sectors.

Niobium is a rare metal with certain qualities similar to rare earths, meaning that the material is also an indispensable component in the production of many items ranging from superconductors, jet fighters and rockets to electronics.

Steel that is produced with less than 1 per cent niobium is significantly stronger with less weight, scientists add.

A superconductor at low temperatures, niobium is also used to make other alloys and materials made from mixed metals, and can be found in particle accelerators and other advanced scientific equipment, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).