Minerals have many applications for human use. The mineral tantalite is the main source for the chemical tantalum. The element tantalum plays an important rule in the manufacturing of electronic components like capacitors and high powered resistors. The advantage of using tantalum is that strong components that are very small can be produced.Tantalite is used to manufacture steel alloys as well.
It's many uses made tantalite a mineral that is in high demand. The mineral tantalite is mined in countries like Congo DRC, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Brazil and many more. A colloquial term for tantalite is coltan. And tantalite is often mined together with tin.
Sometimes I think what commodity to specialize on. There are the opportunities with precious metals and stones. There is certainly money to be made. But then there are use metals and there will be always a sustainable demand for those. So I am considering dealing in ferrochrome, which is used in manufacturing of stainless steel. Ferroalloys also do get prices on international markets.