Coltan (Ta/Nb)
Our complete end-to-end coltan logistics — from artisanal mines in Eastern DRC to international refiners. We source iTSCi-certified columbite-tantalite directly from verified cooperatives in the Kivu region, delivering conflict-free tantalum and niobium ore to electronics, aerospace, and superalloy manufacturers worldwide.
Coltan — Mine to Market
Every kilogram of coltan follows a transparent 8-step journey from licensed artisanal mines to international delivery.
Artisanal Mining & Sourcing
Verified sourcing from licensed artisanal and small-scale cooperatives operating across East Africa. Each cooperative is registered with national mining authorities, validated under the iTSCi (International Tin Supply Chain Initiative) program, and audited for compliance with OECD due diligence guidelines. We work directly with mine-site managers and cooperative leaders to ensure ethical, conflict-free extraction at every site.
Collection & Weighing
Raw coltan concentrate is collected from cooperative miners at validated collection points. Each batch is precisely weighed on calibrated mechanical balance scales, with weight, source mine site, cooperative ID, and date logged into our digital traceability system. Hessian sacks are filled, sealed, and assigned unique batch identification numbers — these follow the material through every subsequent stage of the supply chain.
Washing & Concentration
Raw coltan ore is washed and gravity-concentrated using traditional sluice boxes and panning techniques to separate the dense black tantalum-niobium mineral from lighter sediments. Concentrates typically reach 25–40% combined Ta&sub2;O&sub5; + Nb&sub2;O&sub5; content at this stage. Kibal field officers supervise key collection points to ensure material integrity, accurate weight reconciliation, and compliance with iTSCi protocols.
Assay & Quality Certification
Independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratories conduct rigorous assay testing on every shipment to confirm tantalum (Ta&sub2;O&sub5;) and niobium (Nb&sub2;O&sub5;) content, plus tin, tungsten, uranium, and thorium levels. XRF spectrometry and ICP-MS analysis produce certified results for each lot. Buyers receive detailed assay certificates tied to the unique chain-of-custody record — providing complete confidence in the grade and quality of every kilogram purchased.
iTSCi Tagging & Compliance
Each sealed sack of coltan receives an official iTSCi (International Tin Supply Chain Initiative) tag with a unique serial number that links the material back to its source mine site. A comprehensive compliance package is prepared: OECD due diligence reports, conflict-mineral declarations, country-of-origin certificates, and government export authorizations — ensuring buyers meet Dodd-Frank Section 1502 and EU Conflict Minerals Regulation obligations.
Secure Transport
Sealed, iTSCi-tagged coltan sacks are transported from regional collection points to the export consolidation hub by all-terrain vehicles with armed security escort across the rugged terrain of Eastern DRC. Each movement is documented, GPS-tracked, and insured for full transit value. Dedicated logistics managers monitor each consignment in real time to ensure chain-of-custody integrity from origin to international gateway.
Export & Customs Clearance
Full export documentation is prepared and submitted to relevant authorities — export licenses, customs declarations, iTSCi tag-list manifests, pre-shipment inspection certificates, and bills of lading. Our regulatory team navigates the export procedures of DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda, ensuring smooth, compliant clearance without delays. Tag serial numbers are verified against the manifest before sealed shipments depart for international destinations.
International Delivery
Air freight delivery to international tantalum smelters and refiners — typically routed through Kigali (RWA) or Entebbe (UGA) to refining destinations in Europe, North America, and Asia. Sealed wooden export crates are handled by bonded freight forwarders with full insurance coverage. CIF, FOB, and DAP delivery terms are available to suit buyer requirements. Final document exchange and payment settlement complete each transaction.
Coltan Specifications
Ready to Source Your Coltan?
Contact our minerals logistics team for a confidential consultation and competitive quote.