Abstract: The process for recovering Ta/Nb values from highly flourinated ore materials by the process of;(a) contacting the materials with one or a mixture of HNO.sub.3 or HCl, and H.sub.3 BO.sub.3 wherein the H.sub.3 BO.sub.3 to other acid molar ratio is from about 1/10 to about 1/1,(b) maintaining the temperature between about 55 C. and about 85 C.,(c) reacting for a sufficient period to substantially solubilize the major portion of the materials and to substantially insolubilize all Ta/Nb values, and(d) separating the solids containing the Ta/Nb values from solution.

Abstract: The process for converting water insoluble, hazardous materials of high mineral content containing, e.g.