TANTALUM

Name

Tantalum (Ta).

Type

Element (Minerals/Ores of).

Mineral Classification

Oxide.

Atomic Number

Atomic number 73.

Ore

Columbite and Tantalite

Physical properties

Dense, ductile, very hard, easily fabricated, and highly conductive of heat and electricity.

Highly resistant to corrosion by acids.

Melting point: 2996°C

Occurrence

The DR Congo is the world’s biggest tantalum producer, producing nearly 41 percent of the world’s mined supply.

Much of the tantalum produced in the DR Congo  comes from coltan, a mineral that hosts tantalum and niobium.

Rwanda is the world’s second biggest tantalum producer, with output of 520 metric tons in 2023.

Brazil is the third largest tantalum-producing country.

Then Nigeria and China.

A lot of tantalum is obtained commercially as a by-product of Tin extraction.

Occurrence and Status  in India

Researchers found the presence of Tantalum in the Sutlej river sand in Punjab.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken up 6 projects on exploration for Tantalum and associated minerals in different parts of the country.

The Central Government has notified a list of 24 minerals including Tantalum, in Part D of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as Critical and Strategic minerals.

GSI has established a Niobium-Tantalum resource of 16.42 million tonnes in Rewat Hill block, Nagaur district, Rajasthan.

Challenges in production

Much of the world’s tantalum is mined in areas known for issues related to conflict minerals, such as the D R of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

Application

Electronics: Tantalum capacitors are crucial components in electronics, used in smart phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

Aerospace: Tantalum alloys are used in jet engines, missiles, and satellites due to their high melting point and corrosion resistance.

Medical: Medical equipment such as rods to attach to broken bones, skull plates, and wire meshes to help repair nerves and muscles..

Tantalum is also used in camera lenses.

Can be used to Substitute Platinum due to its high melting point and lower cost.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements with regards to Tantalum (Ta).

1. Tantalum is sometimes found uncombined in nature.
2. It occurs mainly in the mineral Columbite-Tantalite.
3. Tantalum causes no immune response in mammals, so has found wide use in the making of surgical implants.

How many of the above given statement/s is/are incorrect?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. All three

D. None

Answer D