Asger Risom
The rare mineral tantalum, vital for high-tech weapons and electronics, may pose challenges for Russia’s military industry.
In recent months, speculation has mounted over whether Russia’s military production could soon grind to a halt due to a looming tantalum shortage. However, new analyses suggest the reality may be more complex than initially feared.
The Strategic Importance of Tantalum
Tantalum is a rare, dark metal known for its resistance to corrosion and heat. It plays a critical role in electronics and defense manufacturing, powering everything from capacitors and jet engine parts to rocket nozzles and armor components. As reported by tech.wp.pl, Russia’s defense sector heavily depends on this material.
The global tantalum supply is highly concentrated, with up to 70% of known reserves found in Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the Kivu region. Other producing nations include Canada and Australia, but the market remains fragmented and competitive.
Does Russia Face a Crisis?
Data from Ukrainian research group Frontelligence Insight estimates that Russia consumes around 800 kg of tantalum per month, with early 2025 stockpiles at about two tons. This led outlets like The Telegraph to predict an impending halt to Russia’s advanced weapons production.
However, Ukrainian defense outlet Defence Express and tech.wp.pl note that missile production—including Kh-101 cruise missiles, Iskander-K systems, and R-77 air-to-air missiles—continues steadily, indicating that the feared shortage has not yet materialized.
Supply Chain Complexities
Despite sanctions aimed at cutting off resources, tantalum parts—primarily capacitors—have reached Russia via global suppliers, such as Kyocera AVX, which exports from El Salvador.
Further complicating the market, in early 2025, the M23 rebel group seized the world’s largest coltan mine in Rubaya, Congo. Analysts speculate Chinese backing for the group, reinforcing China’s emerging influence over the tantalum supply chain.
Western powers, including both Biden and Trump administrations, have struggled to fully regulate tantalum flows, underscoring the challenge of controlling such a critical global resource.