The Central Government has notified a list of 24 minerals including Tantalum as Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, 1957 as Critical and Strategic minerals.
About Tantalum:
- Tantalum is a bright, silver-grey metal with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73.
- It is known for its hardness, high density, and exceptional corrosion resistance.
- It primarily stands out due to its high melting point, which is exceeded only by tungsten and rhenium.
- This metal is typically extracted from the mineral columbite-tantalite (coltan).
- Coltan isa black-to-brownish black mineral containing both niobium and tantalum.
- Producers: The major global producers of Tantalum include the Democratic Republic of Congo followed by Brazil, Rwanda, Nigeria, and China.
Uses of Tantalum:
- Tantalum’s properties make it invaluable across various high-tech industries.
- It is used in the nuclear sector, aerospace, and defence industries.
- In the electronics industry used to manufacture capacitors that are capable of storing large amounts of electricity in compact sizes with minimal leakage, making them perfect for use in devices like smartphones and laptops.
- Tantalum’s biocompatibility makes it a preferred material for medical implants.
- It serves as a cost-effective substitute for platinum in certain applications due to its similar properties but lower cost.
- Other sectors that benefit from the use of tantalum include the chemical industry, aerospace engineering, and laboratory equipment production.
Ref: Source
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