Project Tantalus

Photo from World Vision

Mapping the S&P 500 companies to slaves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the metals they are forced to mine.

405,000

People in the DRC at risk of modern slavery potentially connected to S&P 500 companies

"The element that moves the world."

Why Tantalum?

01

A critical mineral for technology

Tantalum is used in various amounts for consumer electronics, medical devices, chemicals, energy, aerospace and more.

02

Small-scale or artisanal mines

Tantalum is mostly mined in small-scale or artisanal mines and there are at least 10,000 artisanal coltan miners at risk in the DRC.

03

Identified as a
conflict mineral

Companies face reputational risk if their supply chain is exposed due to existing laws; however traceability has been difficult due to illicit trade and smuggling.

04

Human rights abuses

Associated with human rights abuses, including child labor and funding armed conflict.

The Map-

S&P 500 companies and their link to smelters that have been found to be likely sourcing from the DRC and are exposed to problematic connections/networks.


The map illustrates the supply chain of tantalum, tracing its journey from raw mineral extraction to end-use in consumer products by companies listed in the S&P 500.


It visualizes each stage—mining, processing, refining, component manufacturing, and final integration—while also highlighting adverse connections within the chain, including links to armed conflict and forced labour practices.

VIEW THE MAP

Tantalum Supply Chain

Over 100 companies in the S&P 500 exposed to Tantalum.

Raw Tantalum/Colton Exports by Country in 2023 (metric tons)

Tantalum Production by Country in 2023
(metric tons)

In partnership with ATIN

Project Tantalum is being conducted in partnership with the Anti-Trafficking Investment Network (ATIN) to rank the S&P 500 on exposure and response to human trafficking.


ATIN is the first investment collaborative dedicated to decimating human trafficking.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ATIN