Molybdenum
A critical constituent in the production of high-strength steel, molybdenum is renowned for its performance at high temperatures.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Molybdenum is used largely in steelmaking. When employed as an alloying agent, molybdenum is used to enhance 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 Attributes
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.1https://www.imoa.info/molybdenum/molybdenum-properties.php
The main use of molybdenum is in steel alloys to enhance strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, and corrosion resistance.2https://www.imoa.info/molybdenum/molybdenum-properties.php It is estimated that 23 percent of mined ore is destined to make molybdenum grade stainless steel, whereas 56 percent is 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.3https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/molybdenum-statistics-and-information
Key Countries
Supply Chain Risk
TDi assesses Molybdenum for key risks affecting the security of supply, and for its association with artisanal and small-scale mining.
Country Governance Risks
Molybdenum's association with countries experiencing: