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How the molybdenum price has moved across key timeframes. Change is calculated from the opening price of each period to the current price.
Molybdenum is a refractory metal with a very high melting point, used primarily to strengthen steel alloys for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. It is a critical material for the energy, aerospace, and defence industries.
Molybdenum was discovered in 1778 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele and first isolated in 1781 by Peter Jacob Hjelm. Its industrial importance grew in the early 20th century when it was found to dramatically improve the strength and heat resistance of steel alloys. It replaced tungsten in many armour-plate and gun barrel applications during World War I, establishing its strategic importance.
About 80% of molybdenum is used in steel alloys. Molybdenum-alloyed steel is used in pipelines, pressure vessels, high-strength structural steel, automotive parts, and tool steel. Molybdenum is also essential in superalloys for jet turbine blades and gas turbines. Other uses include catalysts in oil refining (hydrotreating), lubricants (molybdenum disulfide), and electronics components.
Molybdenum is mined both as a primary product and as a byproduct of copper mining (porphyry copper deposits). China is the largest producer (~40% of world output), followed by the United States, Chile, and Peru. Major mining companies include Freeport-McMoRan (which produces molybdenum at Climax and Henderson mines), Codelco, and Grupo Mexico. Global annual production is approximately 300,000 tonnes.
Molybdenum is priced in specialist OTC markets with reference to dealer assessments from Fastmarkets and Metal Bulletin. Key price drivers include steel production volumes (especially high-specification steel for energy and construction), oil and gas capital expenditure (molybdenum-alloy pipelines), aerospace demand, copper mining byproduct volumes, and Chinese market conditions.
There is no liquid exchange contract for molybdenum. Investors typically gain exposure through copper mining equities with significant molybdenum byproduct credit (Freeport-McMoRan is notable here), specialist critical materials funds, or physical purchase from metal dealers. The market is relatively illiquid for retail investors.
The chart above shows the molybdenum price per pound in US dollars. Use the timeframe buttons below the chart to switch between periods.
Indicative prices are updated every 20 minutes during market hours.
Metal markets trade Monday–Friday. During weekends and public holidays the chart displays the most recent available closing price.
High-pressure, sour-service pipelines require steel that resists hydrogen sulfide cracking and maintains strength at elevated temperatures. Molybdenum alloying achieves both properties, making it essential for deepwater and high-pressure gas applications.
MoS₂ is a naturally occurring mineral and industrial lubricant. It has a layered crystal structure that allows sheets to slide easily under pressure, making it effective as a dry lubricant in extreme conditions where oil-based lubricants would fail — such as aerospace and military applications.
Many large porphyry copper deposits contain molybdenum mineralisation. Companies like Freeport-McMoRan recover molybdenum as a byproduct, meaning molybdenum supply is partly linked to copper mining activity levels and economics.
Yes. The US Geological Survey and EU include molybdenum on their critical minerals lists due to its importance in defence and energy applications and supply concentration in China.
The prices displayed are for informational purposes only. Use of this page is at your own risk. We accept no liability for errors.
| Timeframe | High | Low | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 35.37 usd | 33.95 usd | +3.81% |
| 3 Months | 35.37 usd | 29.02 usd | +20.19% |
| 1 Year | 35.37 usd | 27.60 usd | +23.86% |
| 5 Years | 43.54 usd | 12.25 usd | +170.23% |
| 10 Years | 43.54 usd | 6.19 usd | +465.02% |
