Molybdenum ores are naturally occurring minerals that contain molybdenum in various forms, such as molybdenite, wulfenite, and powellite. Molybdenum is a transition metal that has a silvery-white color and is commonly found in minerals as a sulfide. Molybdenum ores are typically found in porphyry copper deposits, which are large copper ore bodies that also contain other valuable metals such as gold, silver, and rhenium. Molybdenum ores are primarily used in the production of molybdenum metal, which is used in a variety of applications such as aerospace, defense, and electronics. Molybdenum metal is also used as an alloying agent in steel production, as it increases the strength and corrosion resistance of steel. In addition, molybdenum is used in the production of catalysts, lubricants, and pigments. The extraction of molybdenum from its ores involves several steps, including crushing and grinding the ore to a fine powder, roasting the powder to convert the sulfide to oxide, and then reducing the oxide with carbon or hydrogen gas to produce molybdenum metal. The process is complex and requires specialized equipment and expertise. Molybdenum ores are found in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Chile, and Peru. The largest producers of molybdenum are China, the United States, and Chile. As demand for molybdenum continues to grow, new sources of the metal are being explored and developed.
molybdenum, ores, metal, extraction, porphyry
CITATION : "Kevin Anderson. 'Molybdenum Ores.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=340023 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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