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The international tantalum and niobium industry association, TIC kicked off its 65^th General Assembly with members voting for their new president by selecting Ms. Silvana Fehling, a global market manager at TANIOBIS. She became the first female president of the 50-year history of TIC.

Team MIRU interviewed her on the current market environment surrounding tantalum. Ms. Fehling is a former Starck employee and a raw materials expert.

IRUNIVERSE Tanamachi(“Tanamachi”): What is your view on the current tantalum market? And what is the role of TIC there?

President Fehling (“Fehling”): We see the necessity to have a good grasp of a balance between supply and demand. We will be also focusing on expanding applications, however, as tantalum will remain a key material in the electronics industry, expanding demand in this area is still believed to be indispensable.

Tanamachi: Those are assumed to be linked with some inaccuracies in the supply source. Tantalum has always been a matter of concern in terms of its supply source. Could you share your thoughts on the recent move from Apple, the decision not to use tantalum from Africa (Congo and Rwanda), or, in other words, the fact that tantalum is considered a conflict mineral?

Fehling: It is believed that the best way is to increase the transparency of due diligence. Not all tantalum in Congo and Rwanda is a conflict one. Furthermore, if I may add one thing, the rules should be set following the ethics of the procurers.

Tanamachi: Regarding the due diligence, in my perception, it appears that ITSCI and RMI are fighting for supremacy.

Fehling: Whilst both are important certification bodies, some parts of Africa are not covered and, therefore, there is a need for a third party to cover the areas. We are working hard to establish the system.

(Note - According to a tantalum miner, there is/are a third party/parties providing the certification “Congo and Rwanda FREE”.)

Tanamachi: Thank you so much.

Fehling: Arigato gozaimashita (“Thank you” in Japanese).

Original Article in Japanese: TIC第65回総会その1 Silvana新会長に聞く　タンタルを巡る今

（Iruniverse Yuji Tanamachi, translated by A.C.）

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