Tantalum; crucibles

HS code 810391 covers tantalum and tantalum crucibles, which are essential components in various high-tech industries. Tantalum is a rare, hard, and corrosion-resistant metal with unique properties that make it valuable in the production of electronic devices, aerospace components, and specialized industrial equipment. The tantalum industry plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and innovation of these key economic sectors.

Tantalum is primarily produced through the processing of tantalum-containing ores, such as columbite-tantalite. The production process typically involves mineral extraction, concentration, and chemical separation to obtain pure tantalum metal. Crucibles made of tantalum are manufactured through specialized metalworking techniques, including casting, forging, and machining, to create the desired shapes and sizes for various industrial applications.

The production of tantalum and tantalum crucibles requires several key inputs, including tantalum-bearing ores, chemical reagents for processing, specialized machinery and equipment for metalworking, and skilled labor. Additionally, the industry relies on a robust supply chain of supporting industries, such as 810390 Tantalum, unwrought; powders, 732620 Crucibles, and 842139 Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for gases, to provide the necessary materials and technologies.

The primary outputs of the tantalum industry are tantalum metal and tantalum crucibles. Tantalum is widely used in the manufacture of 854231 Diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes, 854232 Transistors, other than photosensitive transistors, and 854233 Thyristors, diacs and triacs, other than photosensitive devices, as well as in the production of 848620 Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features. Tantalum crucibles are essential for the production of these high-tech components and are also used in various other industrial processes.