Coltan

Description

• It’s a black metallic ore.• Short form of columbite-tantalite. • Niobium is extracted from coltan.• Tantalum is also extracted from it.

Origin

• Coltan is mined mainly in Congo.• Large craters are dug to get it.• It’s a controversial exploitation.

• It was discovered by a pygmy man.• He used the stone to sharpen weapons.

Discovery

Properties

• When refined, coltan becomes a heat-resistant powder that can hold a high electrical charge.

Uses• Coltan is used primarily for the production

of tantalum capacitors, used in many electronic devices.

• It is also used in high temperature alloys for air and land based turbines.

Recycling• Coltan can be refurbished and then resold.• It can be recycled using proper waste

management techniques, be smelted again and reused.