Simulation of Tantalum and Niobium Pentoxides Extraction from Bangka Tin Slag Waste

Deficit of tantalum supply forces producers seek new mines and secondary sources. Previous researches have showed that tin slag is secondary sources of tantalum and niobium pentoxides. Indonesia, as second largest tin producer, might as well as be the tantalum and niobium oxide (TNO) producer. TNO Extraction research of tin slag involve a lot of oxides that make its processes so complex and produce acid wastes. In order to explain clearly the complex processes and minimize acid waste, this research will be done by simulation with database software HSC Chemistry 6. This study is simulation of TNO extraction of Bangka tin slag (BTS) in roasting process, dissolution with fluoric acid (HF) and chloric acid (HCl) followed by sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Simulation result shows that roasting process does not produce any chemical changes; at HF dissolution and HCl followed by NaOH dissolution, niobium oxide forms metal ion; TNO and MOO dissolution into HCl produce irreversible reaction, but produce reversible reaction in NaOH processes.