The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) All

An Ericsson 5G micro base station in an urban environment (photo: Ericsson)

Tantalum capacitors in 5G

Tantalum (Ta)

All, Manufacturing

Tantalum capacitors offer excellent stability in harsh conditions, high energy and power volumetric efficiency and low parametric shift with lifetime, properties which make them ideal in several applications for the
A Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine on a China Southern Airlines A380. © Airbus 2011

Superalloys

Tantalum (Ta)

All

Superalloys are high-performance alloys known for their high melting temperatures, strength, and resistance to wear in corrosive and oxidising environments. They are primarily used in the hottest parts of gas
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Applications for tantalum

Tantalum (Ta)

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Tantalum is widely used in electronic capacitors for smartphones, automotive systems, and wind turbines. It also enhances cutting tools, SAW filters, optical lenses, chemical process equipment, and medical devices like
Processing: extraction and refining

Processing: extraction and refining

Tantalum (Ta)

All, Miners, Processing

The extraction and refining of tantalum, including its separation from niobium in various tantalum-containing mineral concentrates, is generally accomplished by treating the ores with a mixture of hydrofluoric and sulfuric
Mibra mine

Production of raw materials

Tantalum (Ta)

All, Miners

Extraction or production of tantalum raw materials is widespread, encompassing primary industrial mining, artisanal mining, as a secondary mineral, or as a by-product. Brazil is currently the major producer, with
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Valuation basis

Tantalum (Ta)

All

To calculate the value of a tantalum mineral, the main principle is that only the quantity of Ta₂O₅ contained is paid for, not the whole bulk of material. Basically, the
NORM

Transporting NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials)

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All, Logistics

Niobium and tantalum raw materials can contain low levels of the radioactive elements thorium (Th) and uranium (U), leading to them being classified as naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). International
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EU regulation

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Due diligence ready! is dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with minerals and metals in their supply chain, focusing on, but not limited to, tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold.
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Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs)

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The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) outlines Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs) as regions impacted by armed conflict, weak governance, and human rights violations. Adhering to OECD and EU guidelines,
Map showing the location of ITSCI-registered mines (at February 2016)

Responsible sourcing: supply chain due diligence

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​The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) defines the "Supply Chain" as encompassing all aspects related to the responsible sourcing of tantalum minerals, with a particular focus on due diligence, especially
reach

REACH (EU)

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REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation managing chemical safety. It requires companies to register substances with ECHA, ensuring transparency on potential health and environmental
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Ask an expert

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To better serve the tantalum and niobium industries, the T.I.C. has developed "Ask an Expert", a service that allows both members and non-members to ask technical questions to the Association.