TANTALUM: World Market Outlook: 2012-2017 ISBN # 0-929717-81-3 (2012)

This study covers the global market for tantalum materials, including tantalum ores and concentrates and engineered tantalum materials for consumption in tantalum capacitor anodes, tantalum sputtering targets, tantalum superalloys, cemented carbide cutting tools, fabricated mill products and tantalum chemicals and compounds. The study forecasts demand for tantalum based upon its unique attributes of capacitance, durability, corrosion and heat resistance; as well as its unique optical properties. The study addresses key issues facing the industry between 2012 and 2017, including the expected price fluctuations for the metal, including its potential deficit amidst mine closings; stringent legislation and vertical integration within the supply chain. The study forecasts demand for tantalum in capacitor anodes, taking into consideration the projected demand for tantalum capacitors consumed in various portable digital electronics, including smartphones and computer tablets, notebook computers and servers; automotive electronic subassemblies; and consumer electronics such as game consoles; and digital cameras; and tempers demand forecasts based upon displacement by alternative technologies such as high capacitance MLCC and conductive polymer aluminum chip capacitors. It also forecasts tantalum consumption in hard metals, including cemented carbide cutting tools, superalloys, and mil products, amidst expected increases in production of aircraft and automobiles to satisfy increasing demand from emerging economies. The study also forecasts primary and secondary tantalum supply. Including primary mining operations and their expected expansion. The study also forecasts tantalum from tin mining and slag operations; tantalum from urban mining (Recycling) and tantalum in inventories and makes projections regarding shortages for each year beginning in 2012 and ending in 2017. The study also documents all known tantalum deposits and makes assumptions regarding which of these deposits have the financial backing and necessary resources to become working mines. Tantalum pricing forecasts for tantalum ores and concentrates are given for 2012 through 2017. See the table of contents for a complete listing of what is included in this study. 136 Pages. Published February 2012. ISBN # 0-929717-81-3 (2012).