Tantalum: Rare Metal found in Sutlej River

A rare metal discovered in the Sutlej River has the potential to revolutionize India's semiconductor industry. Tantalum, known for its unique properties, is widely used in electronics due to its ability to store electricity efficiently in capacitors.

A rare metal found in Sutlej River

In March 2024, Tantalum was found in the Sutlej River by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (Punjab). It is a scarce metal utilized in the production of electronic components, has sparked curiosity in investigating the riverbed to assess the abundance of tantalum deposits.

All about Tantalum:

• Tantalum, a rare metal with the atomic number 73, was first discovered in 1802 by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg.

• It is known for its grey color, heavy weight, and remarkable corrosion resistance. When exposed to air, tantalum forms an oxide layer.

• Additionally, pure tantalum is ductile, allowing it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking.

• It exhibits exceptional resistance to chemical attack at temperatures below 150°C, being affected only by hydrofluoric acid, acidic solutions with fluoride ions, and free sulphur trioxide.

• Moreover, tantalum boasts an incredibly high melting point.

Tantalum Applications:

• Tantalum capacitors play a crucial role in enhancing the energy storage capacity of small electronic devices, making them perfect for portable gadgets.

• Tantalum is also utilized in manufacturing components for chemical plants, nuclear facilities, aircraft, and missiles.

• With its high melting point, Tantalum is commonly employed as a cost-effective alternative to platinum, which is more costly.

• Being non-reactive with bodily fluids, Tantalum is utilized in the production of surgical tools and implants such as artificial joints, as stated by the US Department of Energy.

• Tantalum carbide (TaC) combined with graphite forms an extremely durable material, used in the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools.

Impotance for India:

• The finding of tantalum in the Sutlej River sand suggests the presence of a possible tantalum source in India, potentially decreasing reliance on imports and boosting domestic supply.

• India currently imports a significant amount of Tantalum metal from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.

• The discovery of tantalum could play a crucial role in advancing India's electronics and semiconductor industry. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and cameras.