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The rare technology metal hafnium is used in strategic sectors such as nuclear energy, aerospace and microelectronics. While the importance of hafnium in key technologies continues to grow, its supply remains severely restricted. The raw material is only extracted in very small quantities and exclusively as part of zirconium production. Security of supply is therefore increasingly becoming a geopolitical challenge.
Areas of application
Hafnium is mainly used in areas where materials have to withstand particularly high temperatures or extreme conditions. Important applications can be found in nuclear technology, aerospace and microelectronics.
A particular advantage of hafnium is its ability to absorb neutrons. The metal also has a very high melting point and good resistance to heat and corrosion. These properties make hafnium an important material for various high-tech applications.
IEA and OECD report shows progress, but ongoing barriers such as high costs and lack of international standards.
According to the Financial Times, quoting U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, countries seeking to diversify their supply chains would have to be willing to pay a premium for materials sourced outside China.
Current trade data from China indicates a noticeable change in the supply of the strategically important metals gallium and germanium.
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