Process Applications and Challenges in Mineral Beneficiation and Recovery of Niobium from Ore Deposits – A Review

Recent technological and industrial developments in applications of Nb as well as its demand by aviation, communication, electronics, atomic and nuclear energy, metallurgical and steel industries has increased significantly over the years. This has made Nb a critical metal, very strategic and of a high demand. Recovery of Nb from its mineral deposits is dependent on the extractive metallurgy of refractory metals from complex oxide ores. Based on the efficiency of ore concentration and metal extraction, Nb recovery has encountered various challenges. In this regard, new and existing procedures for Nb recovery are reviewed. This review includes evaluation of different ore concentrations, such as the extensive study of Nb mineral separations and flotation; as well as hydrometallurgical extractions of Nb using various extractants. Hitherto, the mineralogy of various Nb deposits with respect to their separation measures and possibilities is also covered in this context. Realization of Nb recovery through solvent extraction, stripping and precipitation is described with comparison of industrially used reagents. This review therefore focuses on investigations of effective/efficient mineral beneficiation process route and also substitution of the conventional dissolution of Nb deposits. Thus, the examination of process applications, challenges and recommendations for future development trend in the extractive metallurgy of Nb from mineral sources. This will serve as a tool to comprehend and put forward the mitigation of existing problems involved in mineral dissolution, separation and Nb recovery.