Mine Expansion for Zirconium in United States
Mining and heavy‑mineral‑processing operations were expanded near Starke, FL, increasing zirconium production capacity.
Zirconium trade
Zirconium is a rare earth element classified under the World Bank's WITS code 8109.10.00. It is primarily sourced from Australia, which accounts for around 38% of global production, followed by South Africa, Russia, and the United States. As a highly versatile metal, zirconium has numerous applications across various industries. Notably, it is used in the nuclear industry due to its low neutron absorption cross-section and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for cladding tubes in reactors. Addition...
Zirconium is a rare earth element classified under the World Bank's WITS code 8109.10.00. It is primarily sourced from Australia, which accounts for around 38% of global production, followed by South Africa, Russia, and the United States.
As a highly versatile metal, zirconium has numerous applications across various industries. Notably, it is used in the nuclear industry due to its low neutron absorption cross-section and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for cladding tubes in reactors. Additionally, its high corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in the chemical industry, including pipes, heat exchangers, and other equipment.
Zirconium's unique properties also make it a valuable component in medical devices, such as surgical implants and artificial joints, where its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion are essential characteristics. The metal is traded in various forms, including ingots, oxides, and alloys, with zircon sand being the primary source of zirconium.
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Market intelligence
Mining and heavy‑mineral‑processing operations were expanded near Starke, FL, increasing zirconium production capacity.
Prefeasibility studies underway at the Titan heavy‑mineral‑sands project near Camden, TN, indicating potential future zirconium concentrate production.
Zirconium reserves for Australia revised based on government reports, potentially affecting future supply outlook.
Zirconium reserves for Kenya revised based on company reports, impacting projected supply.
Zirconium reserves for South Africa revised based on company reports, affecting supply expectations.
Vietnam imposed a ban on heavy‑mineral concentrate exports at year‑end 2008, restricting zirconium supply to international markets.
Imerys SA acquired Astron China, the leading Chinese zircon producer, expanding its zirconium product portfolio.
Guandong Orient acquired Lechang Zirconium Products’ facilities, expanding its zirconium chemical production capacity.
China Zirconium Ltd. and PT Indra Putra Mega formed a 51:49 joint venture to process mineral sands, creating a new zirconium production facility.
Carborundum Universal Ltd. acquired a 51% stake in Foskor Zirconia Ltd., consolidating its zirconium chemical manufacturing capacity.
Exxaro Resources completed the acquisition of Namakwa Sands Pty Ltd., adding a zirconium mineral sands mine to its portfolio.
Matilda Minerals suspended production at its Tiwi mineral sands operation due to poor profitability, halting zirconium extraction.
Iluka Resources expanded its Murray Basin project with a mobile concentrator and Hamilton plant expansion, increasing zirconium capacity.
QIT Madagascar Minerals commenced production at its Fort Dauphin mineral sands project, starting zirconium output.
Alkane Resources commissioned a pilot plant at its Dubbo zirconia project, beginning zirconium and niobium production.
China Zirconium Ltd. began construction of a zirconium chemical plant near Yixing, Jiangsu Province, to produce zirconium oxychloride and sulfate.
China Nuclear Power Technology Corp. and Baoji Titanium Corp. formed a joint venture to produce nuclear‑grade zirconium sponge, initiating a new production facility.
Baoji announced construction of zirconium sponge plants in Liaoning and Shaanxi, expanding China’s nuclear‑grade zirconium supply.
Carnegie Minerals Plc withdrew its mining license in The Gambia following accusations of illegal mining, effectively ending its zirconium operations.
The Indian government amended foreign investment rules in January 2008, allowing 100% foreign ownership of zirconium development projects.
Industrial Minerals Corp. revised ore reserves at its Coos Bay project to 7.9 Mt, raising the projected zirconium output.
Wah Chang restarted idle zirconium sponge capacity in 2007 and expanded production and VAR capacity at its Albany facility.
Tariff of 4.2% ad val applied to zirconium unwrought powders by U.S. authorities on 31 Dec 2006.
Tariff of 3.7% ad val applied to germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide by U.S. authorities on 31 Dec 2006.
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