Nuclear-grade sponge zirconium is a critical material for nuclear power plant reactors, as well as military nuclear propulsion systems such as nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and it is classified as an important strategic commodity for the nation.

　　Key essential materials for nuclear power plant reactors

　　Nuclear-grade sponge zirconium is a critical material for nuclear power plant reactors, as well as for military nuclear propulsion systems such as nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and it ranks among the nation’s most important strategic commodities. This material is based on zirconium and is produced through zirconium–hafnium separation technology. It is primarily used to manufacture nuclear-grade zirconium alloy materials, including fuel rod cladding tubes and core structural components—key components of nuclear power equipment—that can operate continuously under high‑temperature and high‑pressure conditions ranging from 300 to 400°C.

　　For a long time, China’s nuclear‑grade sponge zirconium relied heavily on imports. Through the introduction of advanced technologies and independent innovation, relevant enterprises have established a complete nuclear‑grade zirconium–hafnium industrial chain and now possess the requisite production capacity. Some companies have even achieved full‑chain capabilities, spanning from raw materials to finished products. In 2020, China exported nuclear‑grade sponge zirconium in bulk to Russia for the first time, and its products successfully passed international qualification assessments. According to projections, domestic demand is expected to approach 3,000 tons by 2030.