Materials 02 / 04
Tantalum-Niobium
Coltan concentrates for tantalum and niobium processors.
Two strategic metals in oneconcentrate
Tantalum and niobium occur together in coltan and in the tantalite and columbite minerals. We broker concentrates for the processors that separate and refine them.
Coltan is a natural mix of columbite and tantalite. Once concentrated, it is sold to specialist processors that separate tantalum from niobium by chemical routes and turn them into oxides, powders, metal or alloys. It is a technical market with few players, where the composition of the concentrate, its impurities and its paperwork decide whether a lot gets into the plant or not.
Tantalum is essential in electronic capacitors, turbine superalloys, sputtering targets and medical implants. Niobium goes mainly into high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel as ferroniobium, and into superconductors. Buyers expect traceability and due diligence on every lot. That is why we handle each deal under mutual NDA, with the available documentation up front and the option to verify the material before any commitment.
Key facts
- Product forms
- Coltan, tantalite and columbite concentrates
- End uses
- Capacitors, superalloys, HSLA steel, superconductors
- Typical buyers
- Ta and Nb processors, alloy makers, traders
- Trade terms
- FOB, CFR or CIF, agreed deal by deal
What we offer
Materials for concreteconversations.
Explore our areas of interest. Specifications are reviewed with each counterparty.
- Coltan
Documentation, samples and terms are subject to assessment and agreement between the parties.
Documentary and technical evaluation
Available documents and assaysare reviewed against thematerial and the parties'requirements.
Main industrial uses
From capacitor to turbine
- 01
Tantalum capacitors
They pack high capacitance into a small volume. Common in phones, vehicles and medical devices.
- 02
Superalloys
Tantalum adds high-temperature strength to aero-engine and industrial turbine blades.
- 03
High-strength steel
Small additions of ferroniobium improve the strength and weldability of steel for pipelines, bridges and cars.
- 04
Targets and superconductors
Tantalum is used in sputtering targets for chips; niobium alloys in superconducting magnets.
In tantalum, a lot is only as good asits paperwork.
Who buys it
Tantalum-Niobium
- 01
Tantalum and niobium processors
They turn concentrate into oxides, powders and metal. They require full documentation and verifiable assays.
- 02
Ferroniobium and alloy makers
They need steady feedstock to supply the steel and aerospace industries.
- 03
Specialist traders
They aggregate lots for processors and manage the logistics and compliance of each shipment.
With every offer
What comes with an offer
- 01
The dossier
A useful dossier brings the available information together in one place: material, lot, assays and proposal. It also makes any missing documents visible.
- 02
Documentary and technical evaluation
The review starts by comparing the industrial requirement with the documentation received. A photograph, an assay and an offer each serve a different purpose.
- 03
Samples and trial lots
A sample must be linked to its lot and to an agreed assessment objective. The scope of any test is defined by the parties.
- 04
Clear delivery terms
Supply takes more than a date: destination, packaging, documents and delivery terms must all fit the deal.
Our contribution
- Confidentiality
We never share your name or your requirements with anyone until a mutual NDA is signed.
- Verification
You test the material in your own laboratory before committing to anything.
- Personal service
One person handles your deal from the first email to the contract, in your language.
Industries we serve
The industries that depend onthese materials
- 01
Defence and aerospace
Magnets, superalloys and high-performance metals for critical systems.
- 02
Electronics and capacitors
Tantalum capacitors, precious-metal contacts and magnets for every kind of device.
- 03
Steel
Magnetite for pellets and sinter, and ferroniobium for high-strength steel.
Frequently asked questions
Tantalum-Niobium
What documentation comes with a coltan concentrate?
Whatever the buyer needs for its due diligence. It is reviewed case by case and shared in the dossier, under mutual NDA.
How do you approach responsible sourcing?
Responsible-sourcing expectations are discussed with each counterparty from the outset. If a lot does not meet what the buyer needs, it does not move forward.
Do you sell tantalum and niobium separately?
We broker the concentrate, which carries both metals. Separation is done by the specialist processors who buy it.
Our areas of interest
Minerals and metals
01 · REE
Rare earths
Concentrates for the separation and processing of rare-earth elements: our core focus.
Find out more
03 · Fe / Ti
Iron & Titanium
Magnetite and ilmenite concentrates for the steel, pigment and titanium value chains.
Find out more
04 · Au / PGM
Precious & platinum-group metals
Precious and platinum-group metal materials for qualified refiners.
Find out moreContact
Tell us what youneed
Documentation, samples and terms are subject to assessment and agreement between the parties.
Request the dossierImages are illustrative. Composition, availability and terms are assessed for each proposal.