'Coltan'
'Coltan' is an abbreviation used only in parts of Africa for 'columbo-tantalite', it is a local name or nickname. Mineral concentrates containing tantalum are usually referred to as 'tantalite'. Columbite contains the element columbium, another name for niobium; tantalite contains tantalum.
Tantalite is the mineral or ore, and tantalum is the metallic element which can be extracted (or refined) from the ore. 'Coltan' from central Africa is only a minor source of tantalum.
The main supply of the world's tantalum comes from Brazil, while tantalum minerals are also mined in Russia, China and Africa. Tantalum is also produced in Thailand and Malaysia as a by-product of tin mining and smelting.
In Africa, tantalum raw materials occur in many regions other than Congo and Rwanda, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Egypt. Tantalum-containing concentrates are produced in many of these countries.
A concentrate may contain 10 to 40% Ta2O5, its commercial value is calculated on the tantalum oxide content (which could therefore be as little as one-tenth of the total weight of the material).
The T.I.C. as a trade association is following closely the developments relating to 'Coltan'. This is obviously an important and sensitive matter, and the T.I.C., as an industry association, wants to reiterate its commitment to lawful and ethical trade practices.
We have consistently insisted that our members adhere to these principles. The Executive Committee remains of the view that the T.I.C. is not a policing body and that in any event it is not in a position to prohibit or restrict lawful trade of 'Coltan' originating in Africa. The T.I.C. will continue to monitor legislative developments in this regard.
Tantalite is the mineral or ore, and tantalum is the metallic element which can be extracted (or refined) from the ore. 'Coltan' from central Africa is only a minor source of tantalum.
The main supply of the world's tantalum comes from Brazil, while tantalum minerals are also mined in Russia, China and Africa. Tantalum is also produced in Thailand and Malaysia as a by-product of tin mining and smelting.
In Africa, tantalum raw materials occur in many regions other than Congo and Rwanda, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Egypt. Tantalum-containing concentrates are produced in many of these countries.
A concentrate may contain 10 to 40% Ta2O5, its commercial value is calculated on the tantalum oxide content (which could therefore be as little as one-tenth of the total weight of the material).
The T.I.C. as a trade association is following closely the developments relating to 'Coltan'. This is obviously an important and sensitive matter, and the T.I.C., as an industry association, wants to reiterate its commitment to lawful and ethical trade practices.
We have consistently insisted that our members adhere to these principles. The Executive Committee remains of the view that the T.I.C. is not a policing body and that in any event it is not in a position to prohibit or restrict lawful trade of 'Coltan' originating in Africa. The T.I.C. will continue to monitor legislative developments in this regard.
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