Zinc consumption

Zinc consumption is categorized in five semifabricating markets (see Table 15). Galvanizing was the main market for zinc in the 1970s followed by zinc-base casting alloys and brass and bronze. Depressed constmction and automotive industries caused a decline from 1979 to 1980 of ca 18%, and the die-casting business declined 34% and galvanizing 24%. 

RoUed-zinc products in the form of strip, sheet, wire, and rod have many and varied commercial appUcations. Strip is formed into dry-ceU battery cans, mason jar covers, organ pipes, grommets, eyelets, and many other objects, some of which are subsequentiy brass or chromium plated (jewelry, medaUions, bathroom accessories, etc) (132). The zinc—carbon dry-ceU appUcation accounts for about one half the roUed-zinc consumption in the United States (see Batteries). Sheet zinc is used in photoengraving and also in the constmction of roofing and other architectural uses. Special high grade zinc with a... 

The U.S. accounts for almost one-quarter of worldwide slab zinc consumption and is the world s single largest market. About 80% of zinc is used in metal form, and the rest is used in compound form. In total, 90% of zinc metal is used for galvanizing steel (a form of corrosion protection) and for alloys, and is used in a wide variety of materials in the automotive, construction, electrical, and machinery sectors of the economy. Zinc compound use also varies widely, but is mainly found in the agricultural, chemical, paint, pharmaceutical, and rubber sectors of the economy. 

As a result of environmental concerns, both domestic and worldwide secondary recovery of zinc (versus disposal) is expected to increase. However, the prospect for gains higher than 35 to 40% of zinc consumption is relatively poor because of the dissipative nature of zinc vapor. 

Figure 1 - Zinc Consumption First-use and End-use. Source Brook Hunt and Outokumpu OY...

Since 1960, refined zinc consumption has been growing at a trend growth rate of 2 % a year. Over the last seven years, world consumption has been growing at the faster rate of 3.2 % a year. It is generally believed consumption will continue to grow at rates exceeding 3 % per year. 

Zinc consumption is linked to economic development. There is a close relationship between industrial production and zinc consumption. Over the 39 years from 1960 to 1999, OECD industrial production (IP) grew at 3.8% a year, whereas consumption in the OECD countries grew at 2.4 % a year. In recent years, zinc consumption growth came much closer to that of the OECD industrial production. Since 1994, IP growth has averaged 3.6 % a year, while OECD zinc consumption expanded at an average rate of 3.2 % a year. 

Figure 3 - Net Changes in Refined Zinc Consumption (1979-1999) Across the World Asia/Pacific Includes 11 Countries Excluding China and India. Sources ILZSG and IZA...

In addition to the criteria listed above, significant improvements in hygiene and occupational safety conditions have also been achieved in the new lead and precious metals refining plants, with minimal fume emissions and the eradication of nearly all of the heavy manual workload characteristic of the old plant. A significant reduction in zinc consumption compared to the previous process has been observed. In addition, the recycle rate of dross material has been significantly reduced, and the overall predicted increase in plant capacity was achieved. These achievements along with the production ctqiadty increases were accomplished with virtually the same labour compliment as with the old plant. 

Cycle Time - First Stage Cycle Time - Second Stage Total Zinc Addition New Zinc Consumption Fuel Consumption Final Silver Content... 

Most zinc consumption is for the surface treatment of steel and most of this surface treatment is done by molten zinc galvanizing. With the spread and expansion of molten zinc galvanizing, a demand for large sized ingots, rather than for small ones, emerged. Further, in many cases, these ingots are alloyed beforehand to a composition required for galvanizing. 

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