Introduction
Fergusonite is a rare oxide mineral that is highly sought after because it kills two birds with one stone: it is an ore for Niobium (essential for steel and superconductors) and Heavy Rare Earths.
Composition & Chemistry
Formula: (Y,REE)NbO4
Found in granite pegmatites and carbonatites, Fergusonite deposits (like the Nechalacho deposit in Canada) are key targets for producing the “magnet feed” elements (Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb) outside of China. Processing involves breaking the niobium-oxide bond, which requires aggressive metallurgy, but the high value of the resulting metals justifies the cost.