Kenya has confirmed the discovery of its first coltan deposits. Coltan is short for columbite-tantalite, a dull metallic ore.
About Coltan
- When refined, coltan becomes a heat resistant powder, metallic tantalum, which has unique properties for storing electrical charge.
- Coltan occurs in granitic pegmatites, pockets where the deep seated molten rock crystallized last. Pegmatites contain many rare metals, as well as enormous crystals of some common minerals.
- Coltan is used in many electronics today around the world due to its unique electrical properties.
- The two man products include cell phones and laptops, though it is found in other electronics as well.
- Coltan is also used in the production of capacitors for computers and electric car batteries.
- Approximately 80% of the world’s supply of Coltan is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
