Vanadium (V) is a silvery-gray metallic element that ranks as the 20th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Despite being widespread, Vanadium is rarely found as a concentrated, pure deposit. For this reason, the element is frequently recovered as a co-product or byproduct of other mining and industrial processes, rather than from dedicated primary mines. Understanding where Vanadium is found requires looking beyond simple mineral locations to encompass a variety of geological and biological systems.
Primary Mineral Sources
The most significant geological source of Vanadium is vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) deposits, where it is closely associated with iron ore. In these magmatic deposits, Vanadium substitutes for iron within the magnetite’s crystal structure. VTM deposits are the main source for primary extraction and often contain Vanadium in concentrations up to one percent V₂O₅.
Vanadium is also a component of several distinct mineral species. Key examples include Vanadinite, a lead chlorovanadate mineral, and Carnotite, a potassium uranium vanadate found in sedimentary rocks. Patronite, a rare Vanadium sulfide mineral, is another source. These minerals are typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-zinc ore deposits.
Global Geographic Concentration
The world’s Vanadium supply is concentrated in a few key geographic regions that correlate with major titaniferous magnetite deposits. China holds the largest share of global Vanadium resources and leads the world in production. Much of China’s output is sourced from steel-making slag, a byproduct of processing its vast VTM deposits.
Russia and South Africa are also major producers and hold significant reserves, with their production predominantly linked to VTM deposits. The massive Bushveld Complex in South Africa is an important source of these layers. Australia has substantial Vanadium reserves, though its production levels are historically lower than the leading nations. Brazil also contributes significantly to the global supply.
Vanadium in Secondary and Alternative Deposits
Vanadium’s affinity for organic carbon means it is concentrated in various fossil fuel deposits. Crude oil, especially heavy crude from regions like the Caribbean and the Middle East, can contain high concentrations of Vanadium compounds. When this oil is combusted or refined, the Vanadium concentrates in the resulting heavy ash or petroleum coke residue.
This residue is processed to recover the metal, making it a valuable secondary source. Vanadium is also found in certain types of coal, oil shale, and tar sands, where it is often produced as a byproduct. The element is also present in bauxite, the primary ore for aluminum production, and can be recovered from the residual sludge generated during bauxite processing.
Presence in Biological and Aquatic Systems
Vanadium extends beyond geological formations into aquatic and biological systems. It is present as a trace element in soil. In the marine environment, Vanadium is the second most abundant transition metal found dissolved in seawater.
A remarkable biological phenomenon is the ability of certain marine organisms to accumulate Vanadium to extreme levels. Sea squirts, also known as ascidians, concentrate Vanadium in their blood cells. The concentration within these organisms can be up to ten million times higher than the surrounding seawater. Vanadium is also a component of certain enzymes, such as the haloperoxidases found in marine brown algae.