The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has recently made a significant discovery of Tantalum, a rare metal with exceptional properties in the sands of Punjab’s Sutlej River. The metal, recognized as one of 30 critical minerals for India by a committee of experts within the Ministry of Mines due to its extensive uses ranging from making electronic components to surgical equipment.
Key Facts About Tantalum
Tantalum is a rare yet noteworthy metal with special characteristics and numerous applications. It was initially discovered in 1802 by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg, evidenced by its atomic number, 73. It forms an oxide layer when exposed to air due to its grey, heavy, and highly corrosion-resistant nature.
One remarkable property of pure Tantalum is its ductility; it can be stretched into thin wires without breaking. Tantalum is also known for being extremely resistant to chemical attack at temperatures below 150°C, affected only by hydrofluoric acid, acidic solutions with fluoride ions, and free sulphur trioxide.
In addition to its chemical properties, Tantalum boasts an extraordinarily high melting point, further increasing its industrial viability.
Various Uses of Tantalum
Tantalum has found its use in numerous sectors, primarily the electronic sector where capacitors made from the metal are vital for storing more electricity in smaller sizes. This makes Tantalum perfect for portable electronic devices.
Given its high melting point, Tantalum is often used as a cost-effective substitute for platinum which is relatively more expensive. It is also used to make components for other diverse sectors like chemical plants, nuclear power plants, aeroplanes, and missiles.
Its non-reactivity with bodily fluids makes Tantalum a preferred material to manufacture surgical equipment and implants, such as artificial joints according to the US Department of Energy. Another application of Tantalum is its usage in creating a composite with tantalum carbide (TaC) and graphite, one of the hardest materials used in high-speed machine tool cutting edges.
Significance of the Discovery of Tantalum in Sutlej
The discovery of Tantalum in the sand of the Sutlej River is significant for several reasons. Primarily, this discovery indicates the existence of a potential source of this critical mineral in India. This can dramatically decrease the country’s dependence on imports, thereby increasing the domestic supply.
India currently imports most of its Tantalum from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. Therefore, the discovery of Tantalum in its homeland opens up the possibility of enhancing India’s electronics and semiconductor industry by providing a more reliable and local source of this versatile metal.