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Which materials are mixed with pyrochlore concentrate for aluminothermic ferroniobium production?
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niobium processing
Four one-millimetre thick samples of niobium metal foil.
In the aluminothermic process used for the production of ferroniobium, pyrochlore concentrate is mixed with the following materials:
- Hematite: An iron ore used to provide the necessary iron content.1
- Aluminum powder: Acts as the reducing agent for the reaction.1
- Fluxes: Small quantities of fluorspar and lime are added to facilitate the process.1
These components are combined in a rotary mixer before being transferred to containers for the reduction reaction.1