Tantalum pellets

Tantalum, with the chemical symbol Ta and atomic number 73, was discovered in 1802 by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekeberg. It received its name from Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology. Tantalum is not particularly abundant on Earth, constituting approximately 2 ppm of the Earth's crust, mostly bound in minerals like cassiterite.

Due to its unique properties such as a high melting point and resistance to acids, tantalum finds application in various exciting fields. It is used in the electronics industry for manufacturing capacitors and in aerospace technology for heat-resistant alloys. The production route of tantalum begins with the extraction of tantalum minerals, especially cassiterite. Isolation involves a complex sequence of processes including smelting, extraction, and refinement. The main production countries for tantalum are Brazil, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These nations significantly contribute to global tantalum production, with increasing emphasis on care and responsibility regarding the sourcing of tantalum from conflict regions.