The Energy Cost of Extracting Critical Raw Materials from Tailings: The Case of Coltan

Niobium and tantalum are mainly produced from columbite–tantalite ores, 60% of their production is nowadays located in the Democratic Republic Congo Rwanda. The concentration supply, scarcity, wide range use all electronic devices, expected future demand boosted by clean digital transition means that Nb Ta have high supply risks. In this context, extraction rich tailings abandoned mines could partly offset such This study analyzes energy cost reprocessing both elements would have. To end, we simulate with HSC Chemistry software different processes needed to beneficiate refine metals zinc as a function concentration. At current metal prices, recovery Ta-Nb be cost-effective if ore-handling costs were allocated paying metal. By way contrast, niobium not favored unless market prices increase.