Tantalum Market Update (May 10, 2012)

By Michelle Smith — Exclusive to Tantalum Investing News

Tantalum prices have been flat for the past couple of months, with 30% Ta2O5 staying in the range of $95-105/lb. These prices are fairly consistent with those seen at the start of the year, though in January, the metal was touching highs of $110.

There has and continues to be skepticism surrounding the sourcing of tantalum from the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, market participants continue to show interest in the iTSCi program, an effort to develop transparency in the supply chain in response to conflict mineral concerns. As of the beginning of May, there were 33 members and there were 19 applications pending, which were expected to be approved shortly.