Anthropogenic mineral generation and its potential resource supply: The case of niobium

Abstract

The strategy of carbon neutrality is reshaping the global landscape of resource flow and recycling. As the final sink of geological minerals, the proliferated anthropogenic minerals, also called secondary resources, play an increasingly important role in resource supply enrichment. Niobium is a critical metal that lacks full concern for its sustainability. The fundamental principle of niobium circularity is to recycle and maintain the material as close to the manufacturing process as possible. Here we estimate the niobium-containing applications lost at their end-of-life, underscoring the imperative to minimize such disposal. Additionally, we elucidate the extraction processes for scrap and alloy quantities throughout the industry’s lifecycle. Drawing from anticipated waste generated by the majority of niobium applications, a forecast indicates a potential loss of approximately 168 kt by 2090 in the absence of recycling. Contrastingly, with a recycling efficiency of 90% for niobium, the projected loss diminishes to approximately 16 kt. We delve into the significance of niobium’s circular economy and explore various aspects that demand further investigation for a seamless transition from linear to circular practices.