CBMM launches world’s largest niobium-based anode plant in Brazil
CBMM has inaugurated a state-of-the-art niobium-based anode production facility in Araxá, Brazil, marking a milestone in advanced battery technology.
The plant will produce 2,000 tonnes of Echion Technologies’ XNO active anode material annually, equivalent to one gigawatt-hour of lithium-ion battery cells.
This facility is the largest of its kind globally and aims to serve the rapidly growing demand for niobium-enhanced battery materials, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), heavy-duty transport, and energy storage systems.
Niobium-based anodes are increasingly recognized for their fast charging capability, high energy density, and exceptional safety standards.
To meet future demand, CBMM plans to expand its niobium oxide production capacity to 20,000 tonnes by 2030, aligning with global electrification trends and decarbonization goals.
The company invests $43.37 million annually in research and development to advance its non-steel applications portfolio, targeting a shift where 30% of its revenue will stem from these markets by the end of the decade.
Echion CEO Jean de La Verpilliere highlighted the plant’s role in meeting the increasing commercial demand for niobium-based anodes, while CBMM CEO Ricardo Lima emphasized the strategic importance of this facility in driving innovation in the global battery sector.
Niobium’s unique properties, including fast lithium storage kinetics and structural stability, make it an ideal material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. As the market for clean energy solutions continues to expand, CBMM’s efforts are well-positioned to capitalize on this transition and provide essential materials for sustainable energy systems worldwide.