Ferroniobium (Fe Nb) is an alloy of iron and niobium that contains 60–70% niobium. It’s the primary source of niobium alloying for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel. Ferroniobium makes steel stronger and lighter than pure steel, while also increasing its corrosion resistance.
Ferroniobium is manufactured in an electric furnace using the aluminothermy method. It’s also used in the smelting of heat-resistant alloys.
Niobium is primarily found in oxide minerals of the pyrochlore group, which are most commonly found in carbonatites and alkaline granite-syenite complexes.