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An exploration in mineral supply chain mapping using tantalum as an example

Open-File Report 2013-1239
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20131239

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Abstract

This report uses the supply chain of tantalum (Ta) to investigate the complexity of mineral and metal supply chains in general and show how they can be mapped. A supply chain is made up of all the manufacturers, suppliers, information networks, and so forth, that provide the materials and parts that go into making up a final product. The mineral portion of the supply chain begins with mineral material in the ground (the ore deposit); extends through a series of processes that include mining, beneficiation, processing (smelting and refining), semimanufacture, and manufacture; and continues through transformation of the mineral ore into concentrates, refined mineral commodities, intermediate forms (such as metals and alloys), component parts, and, finally, complex products. This study analyses the supply chain of tantalum beginning with minerals in the ground to many of the final goods that contain tantalum.

Suggested Citation

Soto-Viruet, Y., Menzie, W.D., Papp, J.F., Yager, T., 2013, An exploration in mineral supply chain mapping using tantalum as an example: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013-1239, iv, 51 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20131239.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title An exploration in mineral supply chain mapping using tantalum as an example
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2013-1239
DOI 10.3133/ofr20131239
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Minerals Information Center
Description iv, 51 p.
Other Geospatial Earth
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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