Tantalite Prices Surge Amid DRC Supply Disruptions and Ongoing Conflict
Tantalite prices have surged by 25% since January 2025, reaching their highest levels since April 2023.
According to sources, the ore is now trading between $100 and $105 per pound on the European spot market.
The upward trend began in February, when data provider Argus raised its price estimates to $80–$88 per pound, up 8% from the previous range of $75 to $81.
This rally is primarily driven by declining supply from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s leading producer of tantalum.
In 2023, the DRC accounted for more than 41% of global production, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
However, persistent instability in key mining regions has made output increasingly volatile.
Since January 2025, the situation has worsened with the M23 rebel group’s advance into major tantalite-producing areas.
This conflict has severely disrupted supply chains, especially amid growing global demand for traceable, conflict-free minerals.
“The conflict affecting eastern DRC makes it difficult to obtain legitimate labeled tantalite,” a trader told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
“You can place an order in a province not affected by the conflict, and within two weeks the rebels have taken control of the area.”
Looking ahead, market conditions remain highly uncertain. A resolution will largely depend on the outcome of ongoing peace talks between the Congolese government, the M23 rebels, and Rwanda, widely seen as the group’s main backer.
A return to stability could ease supply constraints—but until then, tantalite prices are likely to remain elevated.
