By: Emmanuel Amoah
A recent study has uncovered significant deposits of a valuable mineral, tantalum, in the Bewadze-Mankoadze area, situated within the Kibi-Winneba Belt in southern Ghana. Tantalum, primarily found in large quantities within an igneous rock called pegmatite, has been identified as a potential economic resource for the country.
This discovery is detailed in a research paper authored by Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari, Joshua Nkansah, and Salaam Jansbaka Adams, titled “Geochemical exploration for tantalum in coltan-rich pegmatites at Bewadze-Mankoadze area of the Kibi-Winneba Belt, southern Ghana: Constraints from exploratory data analysis.”
The study involved the petrographic analysis of rock samples and statistical assessments of both major and minor elements to determine the presence of tantalum.
The research team collected ten samples from different locations across the area for whole-rock geochemistry, followed by petrographic analysis on select samples. Their findings, based on single and multi-element halo mapping, revealed geochemical anomalies in the southwestern portion of the study area, suggesting it as a hotspot for further exploration of tantalum mineralization.
The researchers highlighted that pegmatite formations are abundant in southern Ghana, particularly in regions such as Ewoyaa, Biriwa, Winneba, Bewadze, and Mankoadze. They recommended that future exploration efforts concentrate on the southwestern section, where pathfinder element anomalies indicate the greatest potential for tantalum deposits.
Importantly, this discovery contributes to the global push toward clean energy solutions. Tantalum is a critical component in energy-efficient technologies, especially in the production of capacitors, which are vital for renewable energy systems. These capacitors play a crucial role in the storage and transmission of energy for solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, making tantalum a key mineral in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
If properly harnessed, the tantalum deposits could significantly boost Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, by-products from tantalum extraction could be used to support clean energy production within the country.
Aside from tantalum, the pegmatite deposits in the Bewadze-Mankoadze area also contain other valuable minerals, including spodumene, beryl, and tourmaline, offering further economic opportunities.
Tantalum, represented by the symbol Ta and atomic number 73 on the periodic table, derives its name from Tantalus, a character from Greek mythology. In its pure form, tantalum is a shiny, silvery metal known for its resistance to corrosion and chemical attack below 150°C. It is widely used in the production of electronic components and high-temperature devices, such as aircraft engines. Tantalum also serves as an alloying agent for hardening metals and has numerous medical and dental applications.
This discovery positions Ghana as a potential player in the tantalum market, contributing both to global technological advancements and the country’s economic growth.
