Tantalum and its ore coltan, also known as tantalite, is an essential mineral used in the production of electronics and mobile devices. It is the second most commonly used metal in the electronics industry, and its demand has grown exponentially over the past decade as the production of cell phones and other technology increases.
Tantalum, which is a rare refractory metal, is difficult to process and is mainly found in developing countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This has made it a target for unethical exploitation—sometimes referred to as “conflict minerals”—particularly when it is mined in the DRC where it is used to fund militias and other groups involved in the civil war there.
Tantalum ore is usually extracted by artisan miners using hand tools such as hammers, picks and shovels. Due to its refractory nature and the difficulty in processing it, the ore can fetch a relatively high price and has become attractive to illegal operations, where miners are often unpaid and work in dangerous conditions.
The extraction and sale of tantalum ore can also be a major source of environmental degradation due to the chemicals leached into the soil and water. Chromium, manganese, and uranium are all toxic elements that can be released into the environment during the extraction process.
The ethics of tantalum ore extraction are thus of paramount importance. This is especially true for people who purchase electronics or other products made with tantalum, as the demand creates an incentive for the illegal extraction and sale of ore. There are efforts currently underway to ensure more responsible and ethical extraction, including the “Conflict Free Smelter” program, which is designed to certify smelters that source their ores and minerals responsibly.
The world’s largest producer of tantalum ore is the DRC, and there are efforts to facilitate trade in DRC-mined ore as long as it is sourced responsibly. This includes the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, which is working with the Congolese government to create sustainable methods of extraction that don’t involve unethical labor practices.
Overall, the tantalum ore market is complex, and it’s important to ensure the ethical extraction of the ore and promote sustainability. Responsibly sourced tantalum is essential for the development of electronics, and informed consumers can make sure that their devices are produced in an ethical way. Additionally, by avoiding illegally sourced ore, consumers can also help to help prevent the exploitation of miners and reduce environmental damage.
