Tantalum Specific Specific Info
From the most remote corners of the Earth comes the fuel that makes modern life possible.
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Introduction to Tantalum: Applications, Processing, and Market Insights
Tantalum (Ta) is a highly valuable metal known for its exceptional properties, making it indispensable across multiple industries. It plays a crucial role in electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and industrial manufacturing. From its widespread use in capacitors for smartphones and automotive systems to its application in cutting tools, SAW filters, optical lenses, and chemical process equipment, tantalum continues to drive innovation.
This section delves into key aspects of tantalum, including its applications, extraction and refining processes, production sources, and valuation methodologies. Understanding how tantalum is sourced, processed, and priced is essential for stakeholders in the mining, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
- Tantalum (TA)
Further information
Tantalum and Niobium: Deposits, Resources, Exploration Methods and Market (Simandl et al, 2018)
“Much ado about tantalum” by Richard Burt (2016)
British Geological Survey (BGS) profile on niobium and tantalum
Gallery: Tantalum minerals
Minerals containing Tantalum (Ta). All photos copyright T.I.C. 2019
Creating the Ekeberg Prize medal
In 2018 the Kazakhstan Mint created a set of medals for the Ekeberg Prize from pure tantalum metal.
A visual guide to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of tantalite
In 2013/2014 Ulric Schwela, T.I.C.’s then Technical Officer, visited ASM mine sites in Burundi, DRC and Rwanda. These photographs show typical tantalite ASM processes, although in reality operations vary considerably.
Harmonised system commodity codes
Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), this is a six-digit figure for describing internationally traded goods. Individual countries may further extend this code with an additional two or four
Tantalum capacitors in 5G
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
Superalloys
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
Applications for tantalum
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
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
Production of raw materials
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