An alloy of molybdenum.It is used in a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of alloys and catalysts, due to its improved hardenability, tempering, brittleness prevention, and increased high-temperature strength. Molybdenum has a high melting point of approximately 2,600°C, high rigidity, good electrical and thermal conductivity, can be processed into wire and plate, and is tough. It is also used in various alloys, dyes, and lubricants (molybdenum disulfide), etc. In the electronics industry, demand is growing worldwide for high-tech materials such as target materials for LCD panels and heat sinks for power devices. Molybdenum is one of the seven ore types in the rare metal reserve. Production of molybdenum ore, the raw material, totaled 289,000 tons in 2021, with the U.S., China, and Chile leading the way, and China's production increase is particularly notable. It is unique in that more than 80% of global production (excluding China) is produced as a byproduct of copper production. On the other hand, it is a mineral type with risks in terms of both supply and demand due to the lack of substitutability in the steel and specialty steel sectors, which are the areas of greatest demand. Imports of raw materials amounted to about 34,000 tons in 2023, with ore for steel and ferromolybdenum accounting for 80% of imports.