Flow and stock estimation of tantalum for sustainable supply chain

Abstract

Superior properties of tantalum have made it an element of choice for a wide range of highly specialized applications including electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Indeed, tantalum is a critical metal and its status is conflict mineral as the supply is limited and is largely controlled by few tantalum producing countries. Despite being the important element, a paucity of knowledge on the flow and economic importance of tantalum exists on a global scale that impedes the proper understanding of the metal. The present research, therefore, aimed to quantify the stock and flow of tantalum through its entire life cycle over the year 2010–2019, to find out the economic potential of tantalum that is being discarded. The results indicated that only 21 % of tantalum is entering into the End-of-Life stage, after completing its average residence time, which is the consequence of the relatively long lifespan of key tantalum-bearing products. Nonetheless, the amount of tantalum currently being recycled from the obsolete scrap is <20 %. This is a substantial economic loss, given the criticality of tantalum. Closing the loop of the tantalum life cycle, however, can be a great step towards economic recoveries from waste and promoting a circular economy. An increase in collection rate and increased awareness among people regarding tantalum is necessary to promote recycling to conserve resources as well as to prevent economic loss.