13 Dec 2023
Resource Revision for Indium in United States
America West Metals Ltd. updated the inferred mineral resource estimate for the West Desert zinc‑copper‑iron‑indium deposit in Utah, adding 675 t of indium to the resource base.
Commodity
Indium
Indium is a rare, soft, silvery-white metal that is primarily produced as a byproduct of zinc mining. It is named after the indigo line that appears in its spectral emission. Indium has a low melting point and is a good conductor of heat and electricity, making it highly sought after for various applications. Indium's primary use is in the production of indium tin oxide (ITO), a substance used in the manufacture of f...
Indium is a rare, soft, silvery-white metal that is primarily produced as a byproduct of zinc mining. It is named after the indigo line that appears in its spectral emission. Indium has a low melting point and is a good conductor of heat and electricity, making it highly sought after for various applications.
Indium's primary use is in the production of indium tin oxide (ITO), a substance used in the manufacture of flat panel displays, touchscreen panels, and solar panels. ITO is a transparent conductor, which allows it to be used in these applications to create a transparent electrode. Indium is also used in the production of low-melting alloys, such as indalloy, which is used in fire sprinkler systems.
Indium is produced mainly as a byproduct of zinc refining, and to a lesser extent, from the mining and processing of lead, copper, and iron ores. After the extraction of zinc from its ore, indium is separated from the zinc through a series of chemical processes, including dissolution, precipitation, and electrolysis. Once the indium has been extracted and purified, it is ready to be formed into ingots or cast into various shapes for use in a variety of applications.
Production
Produced Indium
Indium is a soft, silvery-white metal primarily produced as a byproduct of zinc and tin smelting, used in high-tech applications such as LCD screens, solar panels, and low-melting-point alloys due to its unique propertie...
Indium is a soft, silvery-white metal primarily produced as a byproduct of zinc and tin smelting, used in high-tech applications such as LCD screens, solar panels, and low-melting-point alloys due to its unique properties and versatility.
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
23 May 2023
Processing Startup for Indium in Bolivia
State‑owned Empresa Metalurgica Vinto S.A. announced plans to construct a new zinc‑concentrate refinery in Bolivia that will process indium, gallium, and germanium, marking the second such facility in South America.
18 Jan 2020
Other for Indium in China
Yunnan Provincial government sold 3,609 tons of indium, equivalent to four years of global primary production, in a January auction, affecting global supply dynamics.
2020
Processing Expansion for Indium in China
The same company ramped up indium tin oxide production after completing small‑scale operations, expanding processing capacity for ITO, a major end‑use for indium.
2020
Processing Startup for Indium in China
The leading tin producer in China announced a new high‑purity indium production line with a 5‑ton‑per‑year capacity, increasing domestic supply and reducing reliance on imports.
1 Nov 2018
Processing Shutdown for Indium in China
Zhuzhou Touch Smelting ceased indium production in November 2018 due to regulatory constraints.
1 Jan 2018
Mine Progress for Indium in United States
The West Desert zinc‑copper‑iron‑indium deposit in Utah continued development progress in 2018.
1 Jan 2018
Processing Shutdown for Indium in China
Government environmental regulations caused small indium smelters in China to shut down in 2018.
1 Jan 2018
Processing Startup for Indium in China
China Triumph International Engineering Co. announced in January 2018 the development of three ITO production lines, expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
31 Dec 2017
Processing Shutdown for Indium in United States
Umicore shut down its Providence, RI ITO production facility, reducing U.S. indium processing capacity.
1 Jan 2017
Processing Restart for Indium in France
Nyrstar resumed indium production at its Auby zinc smelter after a fire had closed the plant in November 2015.
1 Jan 2017
Project Delay for Indium in China
Zhuzhou Touch Smelting announced a relocation plan in 2017, delaying indium production until the first quarter of 2019.
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