Report: Baoneng Group to invest in 4th new energy car base 

[SMM Express] The UK has introduced sanctions targeting Russian companies involved in the import of tantalum and niobium, alongside broader measures aimed at disrupting supply chains supporting Russia’s defence sector. The move reflects growing government attention to the role of strategic metals in the production of advanced military equipment, including missiles, drones and other weapons. The sanctions could increase scrutiny of Russian-linked tantalum and niobium trade flows, potentially contributing to further supply-chain fragmentation and greater demand for alternative sources. The development nevertheless reinforces the growing relationship between critical minerals, trade policy and geopolitical security.

[SMM Express] Nigeria’s position in the columbite-tantalite (coltan) supply chain is gaining attention as the country seeks to expand its role in global critical-mineral markets. The country was estimated to be the world’s second-largest tantalum producer in 2024, accounting for around 16% of global tantalum production. Nigeria also hosts significant deposits of niobium and tantalum-bearing minerals, particularly columbite-tantalite ores. These minerals are strategically important because tantalum is widely used in high-performance electronics and other advanced applications while niobium is essential for specialised steel and superalloys. The emergence of mineral trading companies focused on consolidating production, verifying grades and improving traceability could help connect Nigeria’s fragmented mining sector with international processors. This is particularly relevant for columbite-tantalite, where ore grade, Ta₂O₅/Nb₂O₅ content, origin and chain-of-custody documentation are important factors for international buyers. Nigeria is also moving towards greater local processing and value addition, potentially creating opportunities beyond the export of raw concentrates. As global buyers seek to diversify critical-mineral supply chains, Nigeria’s columbite-tantalite resources could become increasingly relevant to the international tantalum-niobium market. The key challenge remains converting geological potential into consistent, verifiable and compliant supply capable of meeting international processor requirements.