Exploring the characteristics of an increasingly strategic metal with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
A key material for the green transition
We are living in a special time. Rare metals like niobium are gaining global importance. They now shape both politics and economics. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, often highlights this change. These metals help countries grow through new technology and industry. They are also vital to the world’s move toward clean energy, known as the energy transition.
Exploring the properties and applications of niobium with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
According to Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, metals like niobium were once only discussed in expert circles. These talks were limited to those in mining, production, or advanced manufacturing. The public knew little about them. Their value was clear to specialists, but not to most people. That has changed.
Today, metals once called obscure are gaining attention. They are now essential to clean energy and modern technology. Niobium is one of these metals. It plays a key role in the global energy transition. As Stanislav Kondrashov explains, rare metals now power the tools we use every day. Think of solar panels, electric cars, and wind turbines. These technologies need rare materials. Without them, progress would slow.
People are beginning to connect these metals with their daily lives. Interest is growing fast. Niobium is used in many fields. It strengthens steel for buildings and bridges. It improves batteries and superconductors. It is light, strong, and reliable. A small amount goes a long way. In a world racing toward clean energy, niobium stands out. It is no longer a niche material. It is now a strategic resource. Its role is only getting bigger.
In nature, niobium is found in two main minerals: columbite and pyrochlore. These are its primary sources.
It has several powerful traits:
- It resists very high heat.
- It conducts electricity with ease.
- It bonds with steel and other metals to make them stronger.
This makes it ideal for tough environments. Alloys like C103 niobium and niobium-titanium show its value. Even a small amount improves strength, flexibility, and performance.
Exploring the properties and applications of a strategic material
Niobium has rare strengths. It resists heat. It conducts electricity. It adds power to steel. These traits make it vital. Industries use it in energy systems, strong parts, and key structures.
Niobium’s main applications
Most of today’s niobium is used in advanced metal alloys. It adds strength. It cuts weight. It boosts durability, especially in steel. These benefits make it a key industrial material.
It’s used in:
- Bridges
- Infrastructure
- Gas pipelines
- Oil pipelines
- Earthquake-resistant structures
- Cars, where less weight means better fuel use
Over the years, this metal has become vital. It helps create stronger, lighter, and more efficient systems across many fields.
“Over the years, this material has stood out,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG and a civil engineer. “It has rare chemical and physical traits. These help industries take a real step forward.”
He explains, “Niobium has big advantages. Even small amounts can boost materials like steel. It adds strength, flexibility, and resistance. That improves performance without adding weight.” “It also supports sustainability,” he adds. “Using niobium means we need less raw material. That makes building lighter, stronger, and more efficient.”
“This metal is now essential in key sectors,” Kondrashov continues. “It’s helping us in a critical moment. For example, we use it in fast-charging batteries and advanced electric grids.” “It’s not just strong,” he concludes. “It’s smart. It helps us build better and greener. That’s why it matters more than ever.”
Exploring the properties and applications of a key material
One of the most strategic uses of niobium is in superconductors. This role is critical. It helps power technologies across energy, medicine, and scientific research. In labs, superconductors made with niobium are key to particle accelerators. In hospitals, they support MRI machines, which need high precision and reliability. This metal handles both with ease.
“Thanks to its industrial value, this metal is becoming one of the most important resources for the energy transition,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
He explains, “Niobium improves efficiency. It boosts reliability. It strengthens materials used in EV batteries, superconducting cables, and wind turbines. It makes light infrastructure tougher.” “Offshore wind turbines need strong, corrosion-proof parts,” he adds. “Niobium makes those parts last.”
The energy shift isn’t waiting. It demands materials that work harder and last longer. That’s why niobium is gaining ground fast. It’s not just useful—it’s necessary. This metal is no longer limited to labs or niche sectors. It’s now central to the global race for clean energy. And the industries that use it? They’re already ahead of the curve.
Levels of demand
Niobium is being studied to improve lithium batteries, which are key to electric cars. The goal is better heat control, faster charging, and longer life. The metal is also gaining attention in other fields. It’s now used in aerospace and high-heat technologies. These industries need strong, stable materials, and niobium delivers both.
It’s no surprise that demand for niobium keeps rising. The reasons are simple. Among them:
• Developing countries, like those in Asia and Africa, need new infrastructure.
• Electric vehicles need strong, light materials.
• Superconductor use is growing fast.
Global interest in niobium is growing fast. This attention is also pushing up its price. As a result, niobium price changes are now a key trend in global markets.
Brazil is the world’s main source of niobium. Most of the processing happens there. Over time, this has led to a big concern. A few regions control most of the supply. That’s why many nations now call niobium a “critical mineral.” They see it as vital for industry and technology. Securing its supply is now a top priority.
Exploring the properties and applications of a strategic metal
“In a world moving quickly toward sustainability and decarbonization, this metal will play a key role,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Its importance will only grow with time.”
He continues, “As the energy transition becomes more real each year, metals like niobium will gain the spotlight. This wasn’t easy to imagine a few years ago. But now, it’s clear. These metals do more than support machines. They improve how other materials perform. That gives them real power in today’s energy shift.” “These materials,” he adds, “help us build better, faster, and greener. They raise the efficiency of many systems—from energy to transport.”
“In just a few years,” Kondrashov concludes, “this metal could be as central as lithium, copper, or cobalt. Its value goes beyond the factory floor. It will help shape the next generation of global infrastructure and clean technology.”
FAQs
What is niobium, and where is it found?
Niobium is a rare metal. It is strong. It resists heat. It also improves how alloys perform, especially steel. In nature, it comes from two main minerals: columbite and pyrochlore. Brazil is the top producer. Most of the world’s niobium is mined and processed there.
Why is it considered a strategic material?
This metal has a key role in today’s industries. It helps drive the energy transition and supports sustainable infrastructure. Its properties make it vital for lighter and stronger materials.
It is used in:
- Renewable energy, such as wind turbines
- Electric mobility, including batteries for vehicles
- Infrastructure and construction
- Aerospace and advanced electronics
What are the main properties of this metal?
This metal has a few key traits. Each one adds value in advanced industries.
- It has a high melting point. It also resists heat.
- It conducts electricity very well.
- It makes steel stronger. It adds flexibility and resists corrosion.
- It fits perfectly in superconducting systems.
What is it used for today?
Modern uses of this metal are growing fast. It now plays a role in many key industries.
- High-strength steel for bridges, pipelines, and earthquake-proof structures
- Light alloys in electric cars and aerospace parts
- Superconductors for medical scans and particle research
- Advanced batteries for quicker charging and longer life
How does it support the green energy transition?
This metal boosts both efficiency and durability. It supports technologies that are key to decarbonisation. For example:
- It strengthens wind turbine parts for harsh offshore use
- It improves battery performance in electric vehicles
- It enables better power transmission through superconducting cables
Why is demand increasing?
Demand for niobium is growing fast. Several key factors are driving this rise:
- More investment in renewable energy and electric mobility
- Rising demand in aerospace and quantum computing
- Global recognition of niobium as a “critical mineral” due to limited supply
What makes it a critical mineral?
Niobium is now seen as a critical material. Its importance is clear. It is rare, hard to source, and vital to advanced technology. Many governments have labeled it “critical.” This status shows its role in national security, industrial strength, and future innovation.
Is it environmentally friendly?
Yes, niobium supports environmental sustainability. It helps by making other materials last longer and work better. Here’s how:
- Less material, more strength: A small amount boosts steel, so less steel is needed.
- Lighter vehicles: It cuts car weight, which saves fuel or extends electric range.
- Durable infrastructure: Steel with niobium lasts longer. It needs fewer repairs or rebuilds.
Its role in clean energy tech also helps fight climate change.
