Commercialization of new tantalum deposits in recent years has put forth bright prospects for the tantalum industry. The global tantalum market is projected to exceed 6.95 million pounds (lbs.) by the year 2012, registering a CAGR of nearly 3.6%.

Unique properties of tantalum, which are indispensable to a few applications are expected to drive consistent demand for the metal. Increased usage of electronic equipment such as computers, mobile telephones, and video cameras, is expected to boost demand for tantalum capacitors. Consumption of tantalum metal for manufacturing sputtering targets is also projected to go up in the coming years. Furthermore, research activities for developing new applications for tantalum are underway.

Europe is the largest tantalum market in the world and is projected to reach 2.5 million pounds by the year 2010, as stated by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Asia-Pacific is projected to offer the highest growth opportunity with a CAGR of 6.75% over the period 2001-2010. In North America, tantalum consumption in electronics industry is expected to reach 614.8 thousand pounds by 2010.

Australia accounts for about 60% of global mine production of tantalum, followed by Brazil. The remaining share is occupied by Canada, and African countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda and Mozambique. Tantalum is also obtained as a major byproduct from tin deposits in Nigeria and Malaysia.

Major market participants profiled include Angus & Ross, AS Silmet, Avalon Ventures, AVX, Cabot Corporation, Cabot Supermetals, H.C. Starck, Kemet Corporation, Lynas Corporation, Mitsui Mining & Smelting, Rusina Mining, Treibacher Industrie, Nichicon, Ulba Metallurgical Plant – Press Release