Definition

Noun: A valuable black metallic ore that is a primary source of the elements tantalum and niobium. It is a critical raw material used extensively in the manufacturing of modern electronic devices.

Usage

"Coltan" is an uncountable noun referring to the mineral ore itself. It is used in industrial, economic, and geopolitical contexts. - The region is rich in coltan deposits. - The price of coltan fluctuates on the global market. - Mining coltan has significant environmental impacts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The demand for coltan increased with the proliferation of smartphones.
  • Ethical sourcing of coltan is a major concern for electronics companies.
  • This mine extracts several tons of coltan per month.

Advanced Usage

• "Coltan mining": Refers to the industry and activity of extracting the ore.
  • The documentary exposed the harsh conditions of coltan mining in the region.
• "Coltan trade": Refers to the global commerce of the mineral.
  • The coltan trade has been linked to funding conflicts.

Variants and Related Words

• Columbite-tantalite: The full technical name for the mineral group, often abbreviated as coltan.
• Tantalite: The tantalum-rich end member of the columbite-tantalite series.
• Niobite (Columbite): The niobium-rich end member of the columbite-tantalite series.

Synonyms

• Columbite-tantalite (technical term)
• Tantalum ore (functional description)

Related Phrases

• Conflict mineral: Coltan is often classified as a conflict mineral when its trade finances armed groups.
  • Companies must audit their supply chains to ensure they are not using conflict minerals like coltan.
• Critical raw material: Coltan is considered a critical raw material due to its economic importance and supply risk.
  • The EU's list of critical raw materials includes tantalum, which is derived from coltan.

Noun

1. a valuable black mineral combining niobite and tantalite; used in cell phones and computer chips