Chile, known for its global leadership in copper production and being the second largest global producer of lithium and molybdenum, can now add the title of world leader in rhenium production, a strategic mineral for the production of green hydrogen.
Rhenium: Chile’s New Mining Achievement
«Chile is the world’s top producer of both copper and rhenium,» stated Ronald Monsalve, Mining Analyst at Cochilco, during the recent Santiago Critical Materials Forum held at the W Hotel.
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Where is rhenium found? It is present in copper minerals such as chalcopyrite, bornite, and covellite, and it is also highly present in molybdenum (molybdenite). Rhenium is a byproduct of the roasting process of molybdenite and stands out for its high hardness, heat resistance, excellent electrical conductivity, and high coefficient of elasticity.
Historically, rhenium has been used as an additive in the production of nickel superalloys for the manufacturing of aircraft engines and for catalysis in oil refineries. However, its electrostatic attributes, lower costs, and sustainability compared to platinum group metals (which have a very high price) make it an excellent catalyst for the production of green hydrogen.
«According to information from Cochilco, Chile is the world’s primary producer of rhenium, accounting for 50% of global production, followed by the United States (16%) and Poland (16%). The main national companies producing the mineral are Molyb, a subsidiary of Codelco, and Molymet,»
