TELF AG analyzes the applications and common characteristics of three important materials

The modern role of molybdenum, manganese and chromium

By analytically considering the properties and possible industrial applications of different minerals, it is possible to identify several common characteristics of some groups of resources that, albeit in different ways, contribute to the final realization of a product or confer specific structural characteristics to different materials. Resources such as molybdenum, manganese, and chromium, for example, have common characteristics that make them highly appreciated in different industrial sectors, such as the ability to improve the mechanical properties of metal alloys.

With its high corrosion resistance, molybdenum continues to be appreciated for its ability to improve the resistance and hardness of some metal alloys. Among these are the stainless-steel alloys, which improve some important structural characteristics. With this kind of strengthening, these alloys become perfectly usable even for applications in extreme contexts, such as aerospace or shipbuilding. Currently, most of the production is concentrated in the American continents, in countries such as Chile, Peru, Mexico, and the United States, to which should be added China. In 2023, Beijing produced about 40% of molybdenum globally. China and the United States also hold the majority of the reserves of this resource, equivalent to about two-thirds of the global ones.

Another resource widely used in improving the resistance of steel is manganese, whose ability to give hardness and resistance to the material makes it one of the best allies for industrial applications related to automotive components and the heavy construction industry. This resource also plays a leading role in the production processes of steel, in particular for its ability to function as a deoxidizing agent. By removing oxygen during melting, manganese makes obtaining a high-quality final product possible.

Furthermore, some of its structural characteristics allow manganese to improve the workability of steel. Global manganese production has been concentrated mainly in South Africa, Gabon, and Australia in recent years. Last year, South Africa produced about a third of the world’s total molybdenum, the country with the largest deposits of this resource (other countries with relevant manganese reserves are Australia, China, and Brazil).

Interesting hybridizations

Another resource that has allowed South Africa to establish itself on the international scene of raw materials is chromium, of which the African nation also holds the majority of global reserves (together with Kazakhstan). Just like the two materials already mentioned above, chromium is also used in various ways to improve the performance of metal alloys, particularly from the point of view of durability and resistance, as is evident in the case of stainless steel. In this specific field, chromium is appreciated for its ability to protect stainless steel against rust and corrosion, making it possible to produce very efficient tools in the culinary and food sectors.

Over the years, the common characteristics between these resources have also given rise to interesting hybridizations, such as chromium-molybdenum alloys. These particular alloys manufacture heat- and wear-resistant equipment, such as those found in engine components and turbines.

However, these three resources do not just share some characteristics that make them particularly attractive for the metallurgical sector. Molybdenum, manganese, and chromium have also carved out a role for themselves in one of the most important sectors for the energy transition’s success, namely renewable energy. Molybdenum is used to make the electrical contacts of solar cells, particularly for its excellent electrical conductivity, and also in the wind turbine sector. Manganese also shares several applications in renewables, particularly for solar and wind energy, lithium-ion batteries, and stationary energy storage systems. Finally, chromium plays a primary role in the geothermal and concentrated solar energy sectors.