coltan

/ ˈkɒlˌtæn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of coltan¹

C20: from columbite + tantalite

Example Sentences

The town holds deposits of tantalum, which is extracted from coltan, a key component in the production of smartphones.

From Seattle Times

Within reach of major mining towns supplying metals and minerals in high demand such as gold, tin and coltan, Goma has become a vital economic hub.

From BBC

It singles out “so-called ‘conflict minerals’ like tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, diamonds, cobalt and coltan, as well as cocoa, charcoal, timber and wildlife” being exploited by armed groups and criminal networks supporting them.

From Seattle Times

Because those viruses reach us when humans invade such ecosystems, including the Congolese forests where coltan is mined, and come into contact with the virus-bearing wildlife living there.

From Washington Post

When the rest of the coltan miners arrive — called there by dreams — the group starts to coalesce around a techno-revolutionary ideology to overthrow the powers that be.

From Los Angeles Times