Trap Aggressor Presents Research “Dual-Use Zirconium”: How the Use of Rare-Earth Metal Affects Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex and Economy

Trap Aggressor has prepared an analytical report titled “Dual-Use Zirconium: Assessment of Russian Production, Raw Material Base, and Effectiveness of International Restrictive Measures on Metal Trade.” In the report, we analyzed the strategic significance of this metal, as well as its use by Russia in the military-industrial complex, nuclear energy, metallurgy, nuclear fleet, and other sectors.

According to the research, zirconium is a critical dual-use raw material (civilian and military). The metal is essential for the efficient operation of nuclear power plants, as it is used in the production of fuel rods (TVELs) for nuclear reactors. Additionally, it is a component of ammunition, improves the characteristics of armour composites, and enhances the efficiency and durability of gas turbine engines for civilian and military aircraft as well as for helicopters. Zirconium is particularly critical for the Russian nuclear fleet (military submarines) and nuclear-powered icebreakers that ensure navigation along the Northern Sea Route.

Despite large reserves of zirconium ores on its territory, Russia was significantly dependent on imports until 2022, particularly from Ukraine. Domestic deposits remain difficult to access and do not cover all needs, while extraction and processing are expensive and technologically complex processes.

Currently, sanctions only restrict the export of so-called “ultra-pure” metal (without impurities of other elements), which is used in the nuclear industry. However, the export of ore and concentrate is not regulated, and Russia has available technologies for this process. In recent years, almost half of all zirconium raw material supplies to Russia have come through the Netherlands. Other significant suppliers include India, China, and Spain.

Akademik Lomonosov Nuclear Power Plant, source – the Internet

Trap Aggressor has also identified key Russian enterprises involved in processing zirconium concentrate into high-quality, refined metal. The main enterprise of Russia’s zirconium industry is JSC “Chepetsky Mechanical Plant” – a subsidiary of the Rosatom corporation. The plant produces a significant portion of the world’s rolled products from zirconium alloys, supplies components for over 70 reactors in 15 countries, and provides structural materials for all of Russia’s nuclear installations.

Although the zirconium market volume is relatively small, it is significant for the Russian Federation in the context of high-tech product exports. Rosatom sells abroad not “zirconium as metal,” but a finished high-tech product and service — fuel assemblies (TVELs), engineering, and maintenance. Rosatom and its affiliated structures are still not subject to European Union sanctions. Some countries block stricter decisions due to their own energy dependence on Russian nuclear technologies. As a result, the Russian Federation continues to receive foreign currency revenue from nuclear exports, access to critical equipment, and the ability to use the nuclear sphere as a “soft power” tool.

To learn more, read the full report:

Previously Trap Aggressor prepared another large study titled “Russia’s and the World’s Titanium Dependence: Economy, Military, and Global Risks.” In it, analysts described how titanium ensures Russia’s ability to wage wars, why modern military equipment production is impossible without it, and how Western countries still remain part of this chain.