Tantalum is a key material in steel manufacturing, as well as many modern technologies — the critical metal is used in capacitors for everything from computers and mobile phones to air conditioners and refrigerators.
Yet despite its importance in the world today, tantalum mining takes place in very few countries. What’s more, much of the world’s tantalum is mined in areas known for issues related to conflict minerals, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Together they account for more than half of global production.
Mine production: 980 MT
The DRC, the world’s biggest tantalum producer, has increased its tantalum-mining activities in recent years. In total, it put out 980 metric tons (MT) of the metal in 2023, producing nearly 41 percent of the world’s mined supply. Much of the tantalum produced in the DRC comes from coltan, a mineral that hosts tantalum and niobium.
“When complete, the project is expected to reduce transportation time, lower costs, and decrease the carbon footprint associated with exporting metals and other products,” the USGS reported.
Mine production: 520 MT
In 2023, Rwanda was the third largest source of tantalum ore and concentrate imports to the United States.
Mine production: 360 MT
Brazil is the third largest tantalum-producing country, and one of only two on the top five list outside of Africa. Overall, Brazil is home to 40,000 MT of tantalum reserves.
Mine production: 110 MT
Nigeria came in as the fourth largest tantalum-mining country in 2023. The country produced 110 metric tons last year, some of which came from artisanal mining.
Mine production: 79 MT
While Australia did not make the top tantalum-mining countries list for 2023, the Oceanic country hosts the world’s second largest tantalum reserves with a total of 110,000 MT, 28,000 MT of which is JORC compliant. Australia is now the largest import source of tantalum ore and concentrates to the United States, supplying 54 percent of this category in 2023. Production over the past five years has fluctuating between 20 MT and 57 MT.
Tantalum exists in the country alongside lithium deposits, such as in the Bald Hill mine, the Kathleen Valley lithium project and, of course, Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes mine in Western Australia.
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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