The Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center (TIC) has been a forum for the global tantalum and niobium industry since 1974. It connects companies and creates space for an exchange on technical standards, regulatory developments and sustainability. At this year's TIC General Assembly in Cape Town from September 14 to 17, the focus will be on new elections and a look at future-oriented topics in the industry.
Tantalum and niobium for future technologies
The supply of tantalum and niobium is a driver for numerous future technologies, from high-performance electronics and biocompatible medical technology to aerospace applications. This makes strong, internationally networked industry representation all the more important. "The TIC is a mainstay for our entire industry. It brings together companies along the entire value chain and creates a space for open dialog," says Silvana Fehling, Senior Director Global Materials Management at Taniobis. She is the first woman to head the TIC.
Expertise in tantalum and niobium
According to Fehling, networking is particularly important for Taniobis, a manufacturer of high-quality materials based on tantalum and niobium, as it helps to identify technical trends at an early stage and to help shape regulatory developments. At Taniobis, Fehling is responsible for global materials management and purchasing. "This gives me a deep insight into the requirements of the industry and the urgency of innovations and sustainable solutions. I bring this expertise directly to my role as President of the TIC," says Fehling.
Future of the TIC
According to Fehling, the TIC will be even more networked and international in the future. "The bridging function between industry, science and politics will have to be expanded, because the challenges - whether in terms of sustainability, regulatory issues or technological innovations - require joint answers," says Fehling. A central aspect of this is the digitalization of supply chains.