Sep 2023
Processing Startup for Cadmium in United States
Construction of a fifth CdTe solar panel facility started in Louisiana in September 2023, expected to add 3.5 GW of capacity by 2026.
Commodity
Cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, blue-white metallic element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is found in the earth's crust, primarily as a minor component in zinc ores and is also present in smaller amounts in copper, lead, and silver ores. Cadmium is produced as a byproduct during the refining of these metals. The primary use of cadmium is in the production of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, which are known for thei...
Cadmium is a soft, blue-white metallic element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is found in the earth's crust, primarily as a minor component in zinc ores and is also present in smaller amounts in copper, lead, and silver ores. Cadmium is produced as a byproduct during the refining of these metals.
The primary use of cadmium is in the production of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, which are known for their long life and reliability. Cadmium is also used in pigments, coatings, and plating because of its corrosion resistance. Additionally, it is used in the production of electrical contacts and in the stabilization of plastics.
Cadmium is typically produced by heating a mixture of zinc oxide, carbon, and cadmium-containing ores in a furnace. The resulting fumes are then condensed, producing a mixture of zinc and cadmium. The two metals are then separated through a process called electrolysis.
Production
Refined Cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal derived primarily from zinc ores with important uses including battery production, plastics stabilization, and pigment creation but also posing significant health risks due to its to...
Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal derived primarily from zinc ores with important uses including battery production, plastics stabilization, and pigment creation but also posing significant health risks due to its toxicity.
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
1 Jan 2023
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
European Union introduced legislative efforts to restrict cadmium use in most applications, potentially reducing demand and influencing production strategies.
2023
Other for Cadmium in United States
An Ohio company was developing a facility to recover cadmium and other metals from NiCd batteries.
2023
Processing Startup for Cadmium in United States
Commercial production at a third CdTe solar panel facility in Ohio began in early 2023, expanding domestic CdTe capacity.
2023
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in India
India added cadmium to its list of 30 critical minerals, potentially increasing import demand and influencing policy.
2022
Processing Startup for Cadmium in United States
Construction of a fourth CdTe solar panel facility began in Alabama in 2022, slated to add 3.5 GW of capacity.
2022
Processing Startup for Cadmium in United States
A Utah facility began producing cadmium‑zinctelluride substrates for imaging applications after securing a domestic tellurium source in late 2022.
2022
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in United States
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provided incentives for renewable energy, supporting CdTe solar panel production and cadmium demand.
1 Jun 2015
Other for Cadmium in United States
A U.S. solar cell manufacturer announced in mid‑June 2015 that its CdTe photovoltaic modules achieved 18.6 % efficiency, potentially boosting CdTe market competitiveness.
1 May 2015
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
In May 2015 the European Parliament voted against extending an exemption for cadmium‑containing quantum dots under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, restricting their use.
1 Jan 2015
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in China
Environmental regulations in China triggered closures of several nickel‑cadmium battery facilities in 2015, reducing cadmium demand.
1 Dec 2014
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
In late 2014 the EU added cadmium fluoride and cadmium sulfate to the ECHA candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern, requiring REACH authorization and limiting their use.
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