Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração

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CBMM, Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração, is a privately held Brazilian company founded in 1955 and based in Araxá, Minas Gerais. It specializes in niobium processing and technology, operating the pyrochlore mine near Araxá. CBMM is the world’s largest niobium producer, providing more than 80% of the global supply. It sells ferroniobium, other niobium alloys and oxides, and pure niobium—products made at facilities next to the mine. In 2016 it produced about 90,000 tonnes of ferroniobium per year, with plans to reach 150,000 tonnes. The Araxá ore deposit is large enough to meet world demand for at least 200 years at current consumption. CBMM is ISO 14001-certified, reflecting its commitment to environmental management. Its products are sold to more than 50 countries. The company operates from Araxá with a sales and applications office in São Paulo and has subsidiaries in North America, Europe and Asia, plus a technology center in Geneva. It employs around 1,800 people. Since 1965 it has been controlled by the Moreira Salles family. In 2011 a Chinese group acquired 15% of the company, and a Japanese-South Korean consortium acquired another 15%.