1 Jan 2021
Mine Expansion for Zirconium in United States
Mining and heavy‑mineral‑processing operations were expanded near Starke, FL, increasing zirconium production capacity.
Commodity
Zirconium
Zirconium is a grayish-white, lustrous, heavy metal. It's most commonly found in the minerals zircon and baddeleyite, and it's typically derived from these minerals during the process of mining and refining heavy mineral sands. Zirconium is highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal material for various industrial applications. Its primary uses include the production of cladding for nuclear reactors, due to its l...
Zirconium is a grayish-white, lustrous, heavy metal. It's most commonly found in the minerals zircon and baddeleyite, and it's typically derived from these minerals during the process of mining and refining heavy mineral sands. Zirconium is highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal material for various industrial applications. Its primary uses include the production of cladding for nuclear reactors, due to its low neutron-absorption cross-section, and as a component in alloys for surgical instruments and dental implants, owing to its biocompatibility. Zirconium is also used in the production of catalytic converters, pyrotechnic devices, and fireworks. To produce zirconium, zircon sand is first heated in a chlorine-rich atmosphere to form zirconium tetrachloride. This compound is then reduced with magnesium or sodium metal to yield pure zirconium.
Production
Produced Zirconium
Zirconium in the form of zirconium dioxide (zircon) is a naturally occurring mineral primarily found in Australia, South Africa, and the United States that is highly corrosion-resistant and has low neutron absorption, ma...
Zirconium in the form of zirconium dioxide (zircon) is a naturally occurring mineral primarily found in Australia, South Africa, and the United States that is highly corrosion-resistant and has low neutron absorption, making it suitable for nuclear power industry applications and various ceramic, refractory, and abrasive uses.
Trade
Zircon Concentrates
Zirconium is a significant trade commodity obtained primarily from the mineral zircon found in beach sands and hard rocks, used in various applications including nuclear reactors, ceramics, and jewelry due to its corrosi...
Zirconium is a significant trade commodity obtained primarily from the mineral zircon found in beach sands and hard rocks, used in various applications including nuclear reactors, ceramics, and jewelry due to its corrosion resistance and other unique properties.
Trade
Other Zirconium
Zirconium is a strong transition metal used in various applications, including nuclear reactors, chemical equipment, medical implants, and surgical devices due to its corrosion resistance, low neutron absorption, and bio...
Zirconium is a strong transition metal used in various applications, including nuclear reactors, chemical equipment, medical implants, and surgical devices due to its corrosion resistance, low neutron absorption, and biocompatibility.
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
1 Jan 2021
Other for Zirconium in United States
Prefeasibility studies underway at the Titan heavy‑mineral‑sands project near Camden, TN, indicating potential future zirconium concentrate production.
1 Jan 2021
Reserve Revision for Zirconium in Australia
Zirconium reserves for Australia revised based on government reports, potentially affecting future supply outlook.
1 Jan 2021
Reserve Revision for Zirconium in Kenya
Zirconium reserves for Kenya revised based on company reports, impacting projected supply.
1 Jan 2021
Reserve Revision for Zirconium in South Africa
Zirconium reserves for South Africa revised based on company reports, affecting supply expectations.
1 Dec 2008
Export Restriction for Zirconium in Vietnam
Vietnam imposed a ban on heavy‑mineral concentrate exports at year‑end 2008, restricting zirconium supply to international markets.
1 Feb 2008
Acquisition for Zirconium in France
Imerys SA acquired Astron China, the leading Chinese zircon producer, expanding its zirconium product portfolio.
1 Jan 2008
Acquisition for Zirconium in South Africa
Carborundum Universal Ltd. acquired a 51% stake in Foskor Zirconia Ltd., consolidating its zirconium chemical manufacturing capacity.
1 Jan 2008
Acquisition for Zirconium in South Africa
Exxaro Resources completed the acquisition of Namakwa Sands Pty Ltd., adding a zirconium mineral sands mine to its portfolio.
1 Jan 2008
Mine Closure for Zirconium in Australia
Matilda Minerals suspended production at its Tiwi mineral sands operation due to poor profitability, halting zirconium extraction.
1 Jan 2008
Regulatory Change for Zirconium in Gambia
Carnegie Minerals Plc withdrew its mining license in The Gambia following accusations of illegal mining, effectively ending its zirconium operations.
1 Jan 2008
Regulatory Change for Zirconium in India
The Indian government amended foreign investment rules in January 2008, allowing 100% foreign ownership of zirconium development projects.
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