Description
Tamim International supplies coltan (tantalite ore) from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to tantalum processors, smelters and mineral traders worldwide. Every lot comes with traceability and due-diligence documents, and an SKR where the material is held in custody. Each offer states the Ta₂O₅ content, the quantity and the delivery terms, and no payment is requested until you have inspected and assayed the material and signed the contract.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Coltan (columbite-tantalite) ore concentrate |
| Origin | Tanzania and the DRC (stated for each lot) |
| Grade | Ta₂O₅ and Nb₂O₅ content stated for each lot and confirmed by assay |
| Traceability | Origin, chain-of-custody and due-diligence documents for every lot |
| Custody | Safe Keeping Receipt (SKR) where the material is held in custody |
| Export | Mining Commission export permit; royalties paid |
| Payment | Only after inspection, assay and contract signature |
| Price | Quoted per lot on request, based on contained Ta₂O₅ |
What coltan is
Coltan is the trade name for ore of the columbite-tantalite series, the main source of tantalum and an important source of niobium. Tantalum is used in capacitors for electronics, in superalloys for aircraft engines and turbines, and in medical implants. Coltan is traded as a concentrate and priced mainly on its tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) content.
Quality factors in a coltan contract
- Ta₂O₅ content: the main price driver, stated in the offer and confirmed by assay
- Nb₂O₅ content: niobium, which some buyers also pay for
- Impurities: such as tin, tungsten, iron and silica
- Moisture
- Radioactivity: some coltan contains naturally occurring uranium and thorium, so buyers and shipping lines often require a radioactivity measurement
Traceability and due diligence
Tantalum is one of the four “conflict minerals” (tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold). EU importers of tantalum ores must carry out supply-chain due diligence under Regulation (EU) 2017/821, and many buyers worldwide follow the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible mineral supply chains. Coltan from the DRC and its neighbours draws the closest scrutiny.
For every lot we provide:
- Origin and chain-of-custody documents, from the mine or source through to export
- Due-diligence information on Tamim and the supply chain, shared with verified buyers
- A Safe Keeping Receipt (SKR) from the custodian where the material is held in custody
- The assay report and Mining Commission export permit
Always verify an SKR directly with the custodian that issued it. A genuine SKR names a real custodian that will confirm it to you, and it never replaces inspecting and assaying the material.
Inspect before you pay
- You send an inquiry with your company details, the grade and quantity you need, and your destination.
- We reply with a written offer and share the due-diligence and traceability file.
- You or your inspection company inspect the material, take samples and have them assayed at an agreed laboratory.
- Only when you are satisfied do we both sign the sales contract.
- Payment is made under the contract, and the material is exported under a Mining Commission export permit with royalties paid.
We do not ask for advance payments, “registration fees” or deposits before you have inspected the material. If anyone asks you to pay in our name first, contact us directly on +255 780 397931.
Export documents
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Assay report
- Mining Commission export permit
- Certificate of origin and chain-of-custody documents
- Safe Keeping Receipt (SKR), where applicable
- Radioactivity measurement, where required
- Bill of lading or air waybill, and insurance documents as agreed
Frequently asked questions
Where does your coltan come from?
Tanzania and the DRC. The origin of each lot is stated in the offer and backed by origin and chain-of-custody documents.
Do you provide traceability documents?
Yes. Every lot comes with traceability and due-diligence documents, and an SKR where the material is held in custody.
What grade is your coltan?
The Ta₂O₅ and Nb₂O₅ content of each lot is stated in the offer and confirmed by assay before the contract is signed.
How is coltan priced?
Mainly on the contained Ta₂O₅, adjusted for impurities and delivery terms. We quote per lot on request.
Do you ask for payment before inspection?
No. Payment is made only after you have inspected and assayed the material and signed the contract.
Buying coltan? Send an inquiry with the grade, quantity and destination. See also our other metals and minerals, including copper concentrate and gold.
