A process for electrochemical deposition of tantalum on an article in an inert, non-oxidizing atmosphere, or under vacuum, in a molten electrolyte containing tantalum ions, comprising the steps of: immersing the article into the molten electrolyte heated to a working temperature, passing an electric current through the electrolyte to thereby deposit a tantalum coating on the article, wherein the process of tantalum deposition at least in an initial phase deposits pure .alpha.-tantalum.