Tantalumconsumption is dominated by capacitors for electronic equipment (see above).Additionally, tantalum wire is consumed by the capacitor manufacturers as theanode lead. Tantalum metal is also used for sintering tray assemblies andshielding components for the anode sintering furnaces.

Capacitor gradetantalum powder provides about 25% of the market use of all tantalum shipments.Additional quantities related to capacitors are consumed by tantalum wire forthe anode lead as well as for sintering tray assemblies and shieldingcomponents for the anode sintering furnaces. 

Other non-capacitor uses in electronics createdemand for tantalum mill products for sputtering targets and tantalum chemicalsfor audio and video components.