The carbonate geology of the critical metal niobium

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This project aims to understand how pyrochlore, the major ore mineral of the critical metal niobium, forms in Earth’s crust. Niobium is exclusively mined from carbonatite magma bodies in Brazil and Canada, despite proven Australian resources. It is used in high strength steel alloys in the construction and transport industries. Expected research outcomes include understanding how pyrochlore forms in carbonatites, development of exploration tools to locate niobium ore bodies which are unexposed at the surface, and investigation of environmentally and economically sustainable technologies for metallurgical extraction of niobium from ore. The research is intended to benefit Australia’s critical metals exploration and mining industries.