Titanium
Strong, light and corrosion-resistant — the aerospace metal. Titanium dioxide is also the world's main white pigment.
Titanium nitride barrier layers in chips and titanium alloys in turbines; mainly aerospace and defense.
China produces ~70% of titanium sponge metal.
Where it's produced
Share of 2025 world titanium sponge production (metric tons). Source: USGS MCS 2026.
Who calls it critical
Membership on each government list. “Strategic” marks a higher tier where the list has one; “group” means included as part of a group such as rare earths or PGMs.
Titanium: key questions
- Where is titanium mined or produced?
- According to USGS 2025 data, the largest producers are China (70%), Japan (14%) and Russia (6.8%) of world titanium sponge production.
- Is titanium a critical mineral?
- Titanium appears on 8 of the 10 official lists we track (United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Canada).
- Is titanium in short supply?
- Our supply status: Watch. China produces ~70% of titanium sponge metal.
- Why does titanium matter for AI infrastructure?
- Titanium nitride barrier layers in chips and titanium alloys in turbines; mainly aerospace and defense.
Related minerals
ExplorerBismuth
WatchA heavy, non-toxic metal used in pharmaceuticals, low-melt solders and lead-free alloys. China refines ~88%.
Tungsten
TightThe densest common metal with the highest melting point — used for cutting tools, armor, and as the 'plugs' that connect chip transistors to wiring.
Magnesium
WatchThe lightest structural metal, used in aluminum alloys, die-cast parts and titanium production. China makes ~86% of the metal.