NIOBIUM MINING IN QUEBEC
By: Evan Lucyk
Mining is essential to Canada—both for the nation’s economic health, and to keep the wheels turning in our daily lives. Minerals and metals produced by mining are fundamental for a fully functioning modern society since they are integral ingredients for everything from buildings and vehicles to transportation networks. They even play a role in food production.
These minerals and metals also exist in numerous products that consumers rely on, including toothpaste and electronics, as well as computers, smartphones, and even life-saving medical instruments.
The good news is that Canada’s mining industry is no slouch when it comes to striving to supply the demand for these elements. Canada ranks among the top five producing countries for 13 major minerals and metals. We’re ranked first in potash production and second in uranium and niobium production.
Let’s talk about niobium. Although it might not be as often discussed as other elements, it’s an extremely important element.
USES FOR NIOBIUM
Niobium has a wide range of uses from corrective glasses to jet engines to superconducting magnets. We bet that your household has at least several electronic devices and appliances with niobium in it. Anything that requires a small, electric motor, audio speakers, and much more—all require niobium.
SURGE IN REQUIREMENT
All of the above-mentioned devices and appliances are items we were already regularly using pre-pandemic. Now that we have all been spending so much more time at home, we’re experiencing a surge in our requirement for niobium to literally keep things humming, whether it be with our headphones, electronics, or something else. Luckily for us, Canada is stepping up to meet this increased need.
QUEBEC NIOBIUM
So, what exactly is happening on the niobium front here in Canada? The Niobec Niobium mine, which is located in the municipality of Saint-Honore in Quebec, is a key factor. Owned by the mining and exploration company known as IAMGOLD, the facility spans an impressive 1,735 ha. Commercial production of niobium in the underground mine first began in 1976, and the company remains one of the world’s leading sources of the element, currently responsible for producing nearly 8% of all niobium.
The mine has since expanded to increase production capacity and has adopted the block caving mining method. Hopes are high for the operation, with predictions calling for a tripled reserve base of niobium thanks to this new method. Exciting things are on the horizon as the company plans to focus on infill drilling in the future to convert even more resources in the mining areas into reserves.
There is much more to learn about the exciting things happening in Canada´s mining industry today, and we´d love to share it with you. If you have any questions or simply want to discuss how Bit Service can help you and your operation excel, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.