Pyrometallurgical Approach in the Recovery of Niobium and Tantalum

The pyrometallurgical methods of the recovery of various critical metals have been established. Certain pyrometallurgical approaches for niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) extraction have been studied and investigated by several researchers. For instance, the conventional reduction of Nb mineral or Nb2O5 to Nb metal has been conducted over the decades. Albeit, the success level of this process, it however involves the consumption of lots of energy, high cost of equipment/equipment maintenance, somewhat low Nb and Ta recovery and limited effectiveness on low grade minerals; and thus, considered cost intensive and inefficient. In addition, the inadequacies of pyrometallurgical extraction of these metals from their complex, low grade mineral ores due to its difficulty and large energy requirement in melting the elemental impurities and gangue minerals have been a major concern. On this premise therefore, the study will provide insights into recent pyrometallurgical techniques of Nb and Ta extraction as well as associated factors and challenges.