The hardness factor of host rock has a MAJOR IMPACT on the profitability of a tantalum mine.
Throughout the world, most Ta2 O5 is bound in pegmatite...a very hard rock.
Because pegmatite is so hard, it is MUCH MORE difficult to extract the tantalum...you have to use a lot more acid which is very expensive.
Commerce Resources is greatly blessed that its host rock (carbonatite) is MUCH SOFTER than pegmatite...thus far less acid needs to be used.
Infact, most of the separation of carbonatite-bound tantalum occurs simply by grinding it, letting water wash over it and using gravity. Basic stuff...but its really inexpensively cheap and it works!
Sumisu, you provided excellent GENERAL information about tantalum extraction. However, bear in mind, the British reporter is not even aware of what pegmatite and carbonatite are!
Commerce is blessed indeed for having such soft host rock. But Commerce's happy situation is the great exception to competitors like the Sons of Gwalia who have lots of pegmatite to deal with!
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