Rare metal resources become investment hot spots countries need to reserve
Indium is the first in the world in terms of reserves, with China holding 80% of global supply. It is primarily used in flat panel displays, alloys, semiconductor data transmission, and aerospace manufacturing. Indium is typically found as a by-product of lead and zinc ores. In 2005, China's primary indium output was only 410 tons. Since it is a companion metal, its concentration in zinc concentrate is measured in parts per million (ppm), making it very scarce and non-renewable.
Tungsten ranks first globally in reserves, with China accounting for 85% of the world’s supply. It is widely used in hard alloys, special steels, and is essential in defense, aerospace, and information industries—earning it the nickname "industrial teeth." Tungsten's high melting point makes it ideal for use in machinery and weapon systems, such as gun barrels and launch tubes. Military bullets often use high-density alloys like tungsten carbide, which are much harder than tank armor. Its mechanical properties are similar to depleted uranium, but unlike uranium, tungsten is non-radioactive and maintains its hardness even at temperatures above 1000°C, making it ideal for high-temperature applications in ammunition.
Tungsten is also crucial in metal processing, especially in high-speed steel, where it significantly enhances the hardness of steel. A country without access to tungsten would face major limitations in its industrial capabilities, making it a strategic metal. Additionally, tungsten is used as a filament in lighting technology due to its durability and heat resistance.
Molybdenum ranks second globally in reserves, with China supplying about 24% of the world’s demand. It is vital in the production of alloy steels, stainless steels, and superalloys, playing a key role in military and industrial applications. Known as "war metal," molybdenum enhances the strength and heat resistance of materials used in critical defense equipment.
Rare earth elements hold the top position globally in reserves, with China controlling over 80% of the supply. They are essential for composite materials, magnesium, aluminum, and titanium alloys, often referred to as "industrial monosodium glutamate" due to their importance in modern manufacturing.
Germanium ranks first in reserves, with China producing 50% of the world’s supply. It is used in night vision devices, thermal imaging, solar cells, and fiber optics, playing a critical role in advanced communication technologies.
In addition to these, metals like niobium, tantalum, cadmium, titanium, nickel, zirconium, chromium, and cobalt are all considered strategic resources. They are widely used in national defense, space exploration, and high-tech industries. For example, tantalum is not only used in artillery but also in future space missions. Its unique physical and chemical properties continue to be studied by scientists.
Research into niobium alloys is ongoing, with projects like the T-222 and T-111 alloys being developed for space applications. These materials must meet strict requirements, including high density, corrosion resistance, and stability at extreme temperatures.
Strong data highlights China’s dominance in rare metal supply: 90% of global zirconium is processed in China; 80% of global indium is produced there, with 70% exported to Japan. China holds 88% of the world’s rare earth resources. In 2005, China exported $310 million worth of rare earths, with $180 million going to Japan and $30 million to the U.S. Tungsten exports reached $730 million, with $230 million going to Japan and $88 million to the U.S. Other rare metals, including antimony, chromium, tantalum, and niobium, accounted for $500 million in exports, with $310 million sent to Japan and $50 million to the U.S. This underscores China’s critical role in the global supply chain of strategic materials.
Tactical Vest,Best Tactical Vests,Custom Tactical Vests,Custom Bulletproof Vest
Foshan Dragon Edge Outdoor Equipment Co., Ltd , https://www.dragon-edge.com