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.
Cadmium production
Refined Cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, silvery-white metal primarily extracted from zinc ores, with smaller amounts found in copper and lead ores. China, South Korea, and Japan are among the largest producers of cadmium. Refined cadmium is produced through smelting of zinc ores to obtain raw cadmium, which is then refined through electrolysis - a process involving an electric current passed through a solution containing cadmium ions, resulting in pure cadmium metal. This process is used to produce the high-purity cadmium required for...
Cadmium is a soft, silvery-white metal primarily extracted from zinc ores, with smaller amounts found in copper and lead ores. China, South Korea, and Japan are among the largest producers of cadmium.
Refined cadmium is produced through smelting of zinc ores to obtain raw cadmium, which is then refined through electrolysis - a process involving an electric current passed through a solution containing cadmium ions, resulting in pure cadmium metal. This process is used to produce the high-purity cadmium required for various applications.
Cadmium has several important uses, including battery production (as an anode material in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries), plastics stabilization, and pigment production. However, it's highly toxic and exposure can cause serious health problems, leading to strict regulations on its use, particularly in consumer products, with alternatives often preferred when possible.
Global Production History
Global Production Map
Production by Country
Country production pages
Countries Producing Refined Cadmium
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.
1 Oct 2013
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
In October 2013 the European Parliament amended the EU Battery Directive to ban NiCd batteries in cordless power tools from 31 Dec 2016, curbing cadmium use.
1 Jan 2011
Processing Startup for Cadmium in India
Hindustan Zinc Ltd. planned to begin producing higher grades of refined cadmium in the fiscal year following March 2011, expanding its product range.
1 Jan 2009
Processing Shutdown for Cadmium in Peru
Doe Run Peru's La Oroya smelter ceased operations in 2009 due to environmental and financial problems, halting cadmium production.
1 Jan 2008
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
The European Commission proposed a ban on Ni‑Cd batteries containing more than 0.002% cadmium, effective 1 January 2008, to reduce cadmium emissions.
1 Jan 2008
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
The European Commission proposed a ban on Ni‑Cd batteries containing more than 0.002% cadmium effective January 1, 2008, which would reduce demand for cadmium in battery production.
15 Dec 2006
Processing Shutdown for Cadmium in United States
Temporary shutdown of the Big River Zinc complex in Sauget, IL, reduced cadmium byproduct production for the year.
1 Dec 2006
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in United States
New York City enacted a rechargeable battery law requiring free recycling, tightening battery waste regulations.
19 Nov 2006
Ownership Change for Cadmium in Canada
Xstrata plc acquired Falconbridge Limited, changing ownership of Canadian cadmium refining operations.
14 Sep 2006
Tariff Change for Cadmium in China
China cut the cadmium export tax rebate from 13% to zero, affecting export profitability.
1 Jul 2006
Regulatory Change for Cadmium in European Union
The EU RoHS directive became effective, prohibiting cadmium in most electronic equipment.
5 Jun 2006
Ownership Change for Cadmium in United States
ZincOx Resources plc acquired the Big River Zinc complex, changing control of the U.S. zinc‑cadmium processing facility.
19 May 2006
Ownership Change for Cadmium in United States
Asarco sold its Coy, Immel, and Young mines to Glencore, transferring ownership of zinc–cadmium operations in Tennessee.
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