Tantalum Market Update (October 25, 2012)

Tantalite basis 30 percent Ta2O5 prices in the EU rose from the $120 to $130 range in August to the $125 to $135 range in second week of September. Spot market prices remain at those levels.

EU prices of tantalum min 99.8 percent have risen from the $510 to $530 range in September to a $510 to $540 range in October, according to Metal-Pages.

According to numerous sources, notable price increases are occurring for scrap and recycled materials, though specific figures have not been provided. These increases are associated with the more lenient regulation of this material under the new conflict minerals rules from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC is now being sued for that body of regulation, which was finalized in late August. In the federal case, National Association of Manufacturers vs. US Securities and Exchange Commission, petitioners are asking that the rules either be set aside or modified.

Critics claim the rules are too broad, too burdensome and are likely to be ineffective.