Dar es Salaam — The first plants to process Tantalum and
Niobium, worth $40 million is set to be constructed and start production in
Tanzania from September next year.
The plants are the first of their kind to be put up in in
Africa and will be operating at African Minerals and Geoscience Centre (AMGC).
Their construction has been possible after agreements was reached with AB
Minerals Corporation, to improve capacity of the centre.
The Director of AB Minerals Corporation, Mr Frank
Balestra, said the plants uses high technology systems and special for value
addition of Coltan Concentrate (Tantalum and Niobium).
He added that construction work has already begun to
enable the plants start operations next year.
"We want to make it easier and accessible for miners
to sell their minerals directly to smelters firm and push more money down
because the system is cost effective. This will help to reduce costs incurred
for agencies, transport and export of finished goods at high value that allow
for the significant tax benefit for the nation," he added.
Mr Balestra said the plants will help to process 3,000
tonnes of Coltan concentrate annually and will cut exportation of raw minerals
which was not benefiting the Country substantially.
The project will add capacity to the African Minerals and
Geoscience Centre (AMGC) and enable it to meet its objectives of effective
utilisation of minerals by adding value to match with market needs.
Mr Balestra said this is the perfect time to invest in
minerals to support effort of existing government to ensure that natural
resources are used for the benefit of its citizen.
Tantalum and Niobium, are used to make telephone gadgets,
computers, airplane engines and electrical equipment.
Source: allAfrica