In the field of hydrometallurgy, the corrosion and abrasion resistance of various materials are pushed to the limits in the aqueous leaching part of the process. As a result, the mining industry’s use of strong acids is widespread especially when acid leaching is performed to extract and dissolve the desired minerals.

The general problem seen is that the acid solutions go through a wide range of concentration and temperatures including both oxidizing and reducing conditions.  In these environments, few materials like nickel alloys can survive and this is where Ultamet CPT’s tantalum metal surfaces really shine.