Abstract
Overview
Consumption of tantalum reached an all-time peak in 2008, before the global
economic downturn caused demand for the metal to fall sharply in all end-use
markets in 2009. Roskill estimates total demand to have fallen by nearly 40%
from the 2008 level. A strong recovery was seen in 2010, with demand
returning to a level approaching the peak. The market eased in 2011 and will
probably weaken further in 2012 before returning to a growth trend and
recovering fully by mid-decade. Roskill does not discount the potential for
another large fall in demand for tantalum in 2012 and 2013, however.
Market prices for tantalum showed few dramatic movements during most of the
last decade and in mid-2009 were at about US$35/lb Ta2O5. By that time,
Talison (now GAM) had already suspended production because it had been unable
to negotiate a necessary large increase in its contract prices owing to the
downturn in demand, significant downstream inventories and the continuing
availability of low cost tantalum from Central Africa. Recovery in demand in
2010 saw tantalum market prices rise rapidly to a level at which GAM was able
to attract a contract price sufficiently high to enable a return to production
in 2011. Contract prices have since slipped and GAM has halted production at
its Wodgina mine, although it continues to process tantalum concentrates from
elsewhere.
Tantalum demand, 2005 to 2011 (t Ta)
Get accurate answers from independent exports
- What changes in the supply of tantalum are expected by mid-decade?
- How will world demand for tantalum develop through to 2016?
- What will be the main drivers and limiters of demand?
- What is the outlook for tantalum prices?
About Roskill
Roskill has been a leader in international metals and minerals research since starting life as one of the UK's first management consultancies in 1930. Since the first Roskill Reports were published in 1970, our list of publications has grown to over 75 market reports, databooks and newsletters.
Our clients use our published research and consultancy services for a wide variety of purposes - formulating company strategy, following industry trends, planning exploration and marketing activities, competitor analysis, training new staff and gaining a complete overview of a single industry.
Table of Contents
- 1. Summary
- 2. Occurrence and reserves
- 3. Mining and processing methods
- 4. Overview of world production
- 5. Review of mining, processing and projects by country
- 6. International trade
- 7. Consumption of tantalum
- 8. Review of end-use markets for tantalum
- 9. Forecasts of tantalum supply and demand
- 10. Historical and forecast tantalum prices
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