Coltan is a black metallic ore that is mined primarily in the Congo. It was discovered by a pygmy man who used the stone to sharpen weapons. When refined, coltan becomes a heat-resistant powder that can hold a high electrical charge, making it useful for tantalum capacitors found in many electronic devices as well as high-temperature alloys for turbines. While controversial to exploit due to mining practices, coltan can be recycled and reused through proper waste management and smelting techniques.

1. Coltan

2. Description
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It’s a black metallic ore.
Short form of columbite-tantalite.
Niobium is extracted from coltan.
Tantalum is also extracted from it.

3. Origin
• Coltan is mined mainly in Congo.
• Large craters are dug to get it.
• It’s a controversial exploitation.

4. Discovery
• It was discovered by a pygmy man.
• He used the stone to sharpen weapons.

5. Properties
• When refined, coltan becomes a heatresistant powder that can hold a high
electrical charge.

6. Uses
• Coltan is used primarily for the production
of tantalum capacitors, used in many
electronic devices.
• It is also used in high temperature alloys
for air and land based turbines.
Recycling
• Coltan can be refurbished and then resold.
• It can be recycled using proper waste
management techniques, be smelted
again and reused.