Abstract

The Uis region of Namibia is noted for its rare metal pegmatites that contain tin and the associated elements. However, during the Reconnaissance Geological study carried out by the author earlier, a granite area had shown high value of Ta₂O₅ and Nb₂O₅. This granite area was therefore subjected to a detailed exploration studies for tantalum-niobium mineralization. Localized enrichment of Ta₂O₅ and Nb₂O₅ is seen to occur in the investigated area and is confined to a small portion as reflected in a 3 m composite sample (from surface up to 3 m depth, sample No. ABH-19 having a value of 312.95 ppm of Ta₂O₅. When compared with the average crustal abundance of tantalum (1.7 ppm) and niobium (20 ppm), this area contains slightly higher concentration. Considering the analytical results, this area has no potential for extraction of niobium and tantalum economically and has only academic significance.

Key words: Niobium, tantalum, exploration, granite, Uis, Namibia.