Zimtu ConnectWeekly updates
March 25, 2025


T.I.C. Raises Concerns Over Tantalum Supply: What It Means for Capacitor Metals

The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (T.I.C.) has raised serious concerns about the future of tantalum supply from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As the global industry association for tantalum-niobium, the T.I.C.’s warning highlights growing risks to supply chains, which directly impacts companies like Capacitor Metals Corp., a member of the T.I.C.
The DRC Supply Chain Crisis
The DRC has been a dominant source of tantalum worldwide for years. However, the region’s political instability, particularly due to the M23 group’s control over mine sites and trade routes, is threatening the global supply of tantalum.
According to the T.I.C. President, Ms. Silvana Fehling:
“The situation in the DRC is disturbing and concerning both from the perspective of the safety and livelihood of those locally affected as well as from a commercial perspective. The continued incursions by the M23, their control of mine sites and trade routes, in combination with the undisciplined approach of the DRC government, does not bode well for the expectation of a reasonable solution any time soon. As such, responsible sourcing from the region will only become more difficult and complicated moving forward.”
The T.I.C. is actively working to address these concerns. To combat unethical sourcing and improve transparency, the organization has partnered with KUMI to develop Enhanced Due Diligence Guidelines (EHDD) aimed specifically at the tantalum supply chain. These guidelines will help auditors and companies establish the provenance of minerals sourced from high-risk areas and improve their due diligence practices.
Additionally, the T.I.C. is committed to investigating reports suggesting that some supply chain actors are using dubious means to source conflict-related or smuggled minerals. The organization has stated that membership suspension is a possibility for those found violating ethical standards.