Development works must commence by 27 September 2025, a full year later than the initial requirement.

Globe Metals & Mining (Globe) has successfully formalised a planned extension of time for first mining activities under its Mine Development Agreement with the Government of Malawi (MDA).  The extension ensures that Globe remains in full compliance with all aspects of its mining agreements, licences, and permits. 

As noted by Globe CEO, Paul Smith, the extension gives the company time to progress several significant processes critical to the project’s eventual delivery, including sign-offs on funding initiatives and offtake commitments, completion of technical (design and engineering) tasks, and delivery of key social and environmental commitments associated with the project. 

Project Blue expects the niobium market to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% over the period to 2034. Demand is forecast to increase across all key end uses (including steels, alloys and magnetic materials) although by far the highest growth rate is expected to be from chemicals.  Strong chemicals demand is expected to be underpinned by strong demand for battery-grade chemicals, with niobium expected to be increasingly used in the anodes (and to a lesser extent cathodes) of lithium-ion batteries.   

Growing demand creates an opportunity for potential new suppliers, although CBMM, which accounts for more than 90% of global niobium supply, has recently (2021) completed an expansion of its Araxá operation in Brazil, meaning that the market will be comfortably supplied for years to come.   

However, while CBMM’s expansions may suggest the need for no additional niobium projects, it is possible that one, or perhaps even two, enter production over the coming decade if they can overcome the challenges associated with project development.