Tantalum - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
A corrosion-resistant metal used in capacitors, alloys and specialised equipment.Production and reserves are measured by tantalum content. Country reserve figures are available for part of the global industry.
Tantalum Global Production & Country Share
Measure: Mine production (metric tons)
Tantalum Production by Country (2020-2025)
Mine production · Unit: metric tons
| Rank | Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e | Share | 5Y Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 780 | 790 | 890 | 980 | 1,270 | 1,300 | 52.0% | +66.7% |
| #2 | Rwanda | 254 | 269 | 347 | 520 | 374 | 400 | 16.0% | +57.5% |
| #3 | Nigeria | 260 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 390 | 390 | 15.6% | +50.0% |
| #4 | Brazil | 470 | 360 | 370 | 360 | 210 | 190 | 7.6% | -59.6% |
| #5 | China | 74 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 76 | 80 | 3.2% | +8.1% |
| #6 | Australia | 34 | 44 | 46 | 43 | 52 | 50 | 2.0% | +47.1% |
| #7 | Ethiopia | 69 | 32 | 24 | - | 40 | 40 | 1.6% | -42.0% |
| #8 | Russia | 49 | 39 | 31 | 20 | 29 | 30 | 1.2% | -38.8% |
| #9 | Bolivia | 7 | 1 | 1 | - | 2 | 2 | 0.1% | -71.4% |
| #9 | Burundi | 24 | 39 | 59 | 36 | 2 | 2 | 0.1% | -91.7% |
| #11 | Mozambique | 43 | 37 | 34 | - | 55 | 1 | 0.0% | -97.7% |
| - | World Total | 2,100 | 1,840 | 1,990 | 2,400 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 100.0% | +19.0% |
Tantalum Proven Reserves by Country (2025)
Basis: Reserves · Unit: metric tons
| Rank | Country | Reserves (metric tons) | World Share | USGS Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | China | 240,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
| #2 | Australia | 120,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. - For Australia, Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant or equivalent reserves were 33,000 tons. |
| #3 | Brazil | 40,000 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
| #4 | Russia | 150 | - | See Appendix C for resource and reserve definitions and information concerning data sources. |
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tantalum: Production: Mine | metric tons | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tantalum: Production: Secondary | metric tons | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Tantalum: Imports for consumption | metric tons | 1,330 | 1,720 | 1,110 | 1,070 | 1,300 |
| Tantalum: Exports | metric tons | 655 | 662 | 672 | 506 | 420 |
| Tantalum: Consumption, apparent | metric tons | 663 | 1,060 | 440 | 566 | 890 |
| Tantalum: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Tantalum
Which country leads tantalum production (mine production)?
Democratic Republic of the Congo leads the 2025 USGS country table for mine production, with 1,300 metric tons (estimated) (52.0% of the reported world total). World output was 2,500 metric tons in 2025.
Which country holds the largest reported tantalum reserves?
China ranks first in the USGS reserve table, with 240,000 metric tons (Reserves).
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for tantalum?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at 100% (Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (Tantalum ores and concentrates) were Australia (64%), Mozambique (10%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (9%).
How is tantalum classified on the US Critical Minerals List and what are its primary uses?
Status: Listed on 2025 US List (2022 & 2025 lists). Primary applications cited in USGS summaries include: High-reliability electronic capacitors for smartphones, automotive electronics, defense systems, superalloys, and chemical process equipment. Tantalum is mined from columbite-tantalite (coltan) ores, tin slags, and lithium-pegmatite operations. Because artisanal and industrial concentrate flows are only partially covered by national reserve audits, reserve tables remain partial.