Molybdenum

A critical constituent in the production of high-strength steel, molybdenum is renowned for its performance at high temperatures.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is used largely in steelmaking. When employed as an alloying agent, molybdenum enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Molybdenum is almost always extracted as a by-product of other mineral ores, particularly copper. China is by far the largest producer and also holds the largest reserves.  

 

Current operations are generally not associated with major ESG issues. Nevertheless, civil society groups and the media occasionally cover environmental issues associated with the molybdenum supply chain, notably in Latin America and China. 

Main uses and applications

Molybdenum is a transition metal with several characteristics that make it valuable, particularly its performance at high temperatures. Molybdenum has one of the highest melting points of all elements. Its thermal conductivity is also among the strongest of all elements.i 

 

The main use of molybdenum is in steel alloys to enhance strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, and corrosion resistance.ii It is estimated that 23of mined ore is destined to make molybdenumgrade stainless steel, and a further 56is used for construction steel, tool and high-speed steel and cast iron. The rest is employed in specialised applications, such as in nickel alloys, and as a refractory metal in applications such as catalysts, lubricants, and pigments.iii  

Key Countries

Top Producer

China

Top Reserves

China

Supply Chain Risk

TDi Sustainability's data rates Molybdenum's association with the following issues as high or very high:

Country Governance Risks

Molybdenum's association with countries experiencing: