noun
- plural of coltan; a mixture of columbite and tantalite ores, mined for tantalum and niobium metals used in electronics and aerospace
Usage: often used in discussions of mining, technology supply chains, and conflict minerals; primarily a technical or industry term
Examples
- Coltans are essential minerals for manufacturing smartphones and laptops.
- The extraction of coltans in certain regions has raised ethical concerns about mining practices.
- Electronics manufacturers depend on coltans to produce capacitors and other components.
- Coltans mining has significant environmental and social impacts in some African countries.
- The global demand for coltans continues to grow with the expansion of the tech industry.