The molybdenum (Mo) industry in China is a very important part of the countrys overall industrial economy. It is also one of the largest molybdenum producers in the world, accounting for over 70% of global production in 2018. Molybdenum is used in various applications such as steel production, oil refining and chemical production.
Molybdenum is a refractory metal, which means that it has high temperature resistance and is resistant to corrosion. It has a wide range of uses in many industries, including the production of aircraft engines, nuclear reinforcements, and other high-strength applications. In terms of steel production, it is used as a hardening agent that increases the strength of the steel. Additionally, it is employed for oil refining, as it resists corrosion and quickly dissolves into fluids at high temperatures. In chemical production, molybdenum is used as a catalyst for various reactions, including for the manufacturing of sulfuric acid, sodium nitrate, and other volatile organics.
Chinas molybdenum industry was developed in the 1950s and the country has become one the worlds leading molybdenum producers, surpassing the United States in 2011. Chinas Mo production is concentrated in the Henan, Shaanxi, and Yunnan Provinces. The industry is supported by large state-owned enterprises as well as various other small, private firms.
China has also played an important role in the global molybdenum market as it is one of the largest exporters of molybdenum. China exported about 70% of its molybdenum output in 2018, compared to less than 20% from the United States. China also accounts for approximately 40% of all molybdenum imports worldwide. In addition, China is one of the major suppliers of molybdenum to countries around the world.
In terms of technological development, Chinese companies have worked to improve the efficiency of various molybdenum processing techniques and products. In 2013, China introduced a new molybdenum product, referred to as “spherical molybdenum,” which uses a different refining process than traditional techniques. This process yields spherical molybdenum particles that are spherical in shape and have a higher surface area than traditional molybdenum particles.
Overall, molybdenum is a fast growing industry in China, with production levels continuing to reach new heights each year. The development of the industry has been supported by government and state-owned enterprise efforts, as well as increased technological advancements and exports. As a result, the molybdenum industry in China is a major contributor to the countrys industrial economy and the global molybdenum market.
