coltan

British  

/ ˈkɒlˌtæn /

noun

1. a metallic ore found esp in the E Congo, consisting of columbite and tantalite (a source of the element tantalum)

---

Etymology

Origin of coltan

C20: from _columbite + _tantalite

Example Sentences

Over the past year, the M23 has made rapid advances across the mineral-rich east of DR Congo, taking more areas where coltan is mined.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Much of the coltan and other critical minerals, like tungsten, that are mined in the Venezuelan jungle are ultimately shipped to China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Experts estimate that the M23 makes around $800,000 a month from the mine thanks to a $7-per-kilogram tax on the production and sale of coltan.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

The Orinoco Mining Arc, covering 112,000 square kilometers, contains an estimated 300,000 metric tons of rare-earth elements, coltan worth $100 billion, and 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

The eastern part of DR Congo is replete with vast deposits of key minerals, including gold and coltan.

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025