Nandan County Nonferrous Metals Opens Tender for 300 Tons of Bismuth Ingots, Deadline March 3, 2026

[SMM Tantalum News] On March 3 local time, a landslide occurred at the Gasasa mining site in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, eastern DRC, burying hundreds of people. Local rescuers estimate the death toll exceeds 200, with specific casualty figures still being tallied. Currently, the mine is controlled by the rebel group M23, which, fearing airstrikes by DRC government forces, has refrained from modern mechanized mining. Due to supply disruptions of tantalum ore (Ta₂O₅≥30%), transactions have been reported at $210–220 per pound, representing a sharp price surge. As this news spreads through the market, coupled with the tight supply-demand balance, tantalum ore prices are expected to continue climbing, potentially reaching new highs.

[SMM Tungsten Express] As of March 5, SMM data shows European tungsten scrap drill tips quoted at €95-105/kg, averaging €100/kg, up 8% from February 26; European scrap carbide blades at €97.5/kg. Indian FOB scrap drill tips at $125-140/kg, up $20 from last week; scrap carbide blades FOB at $110-125/kg.