Substance flow analysis of tantalum in Taiwan

Abstract

Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) is mainly used to quantify flows and stocks of a particular substance distributed in a finite ecosystem. It can also be used to help decision-makers select the best strategy to implement resource allocation and management. This study focused on tantalum flow in Taiwan in 2013, specifically as tantalum capacitors, powder, and waste products. Tantalum, a rare metal that has a lot of potential, especially in the electronics industry, is not locally produced in Taiwan; so an SFA is vital to monitor supply, demand, and accumulation. Best estimates were done in coordination with Taiwan companies and government agencies, namely: Ministry of Economic Affairs; Ministry of Finance; Customs Department; and Environmental Protection Administration. In 2013, Taiwan imported a total of 340,355 kg of tantalum; 84.5% of this remained in Taiwan either as electronic products or as raw materials, while the rest were exported.