Coltan, short for columbite-tantalite, is a mineral composed of two key elements: tantalum and niobium. It is primarily mined in regions of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tantalum extracted from coltan is essential for manufacturing electronic components, such as capacitors and resistors, which are found in devices like smartphones and laptops. The demand for coltan has surged due to the growing electronics industry, leading to concerns about ethical mining practices. The extraction process can result in environmental degradation and human rights issues, as some mining operations are linked to conflict and exploitation in local communities.