Tracking the evolution of niobium cycle in China from 2000 to 2021: A dynamic material flow analysis

Niobium has been classified as one critical metal due to its wide applications in both fundamental and strategic industries. However, niobium resource is limited and unevenly distributed. China is the biggest niobium consumer and the demand for niobium will continue to increase due to its rapid urbanization and industrial development. This study aims to uncover the key features of niobium metabolism in China during 2000-2021 by employing a dynamic material flow analysis method. Our results show that both niobium flows and stocks experienced fast growth in China and the domestic demand for finished niobium products was highly concentrated. Moreover, China mainly relied on importing primary niobium resources from Brazil and Canada, while exporting semi-finished niobium products to Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. Several policies are then proposed by considering the Chinese realities to improve the utilization efficiency of niobium resources and secure its sustainable supply.