Zinc
Zinc market
Zinc is an essential material for a sustainable future, due to its superior ability to protect metals against corrosion. It extends the lifespan of steel constructions, wind turbines, cars and machinery and reduces the need for additional raw materials.
A zinc mine supply deficit is expected from 2028 onwards. This will create a substantial supply gap. BelZinc’s process can help to close this gap.
Zinc demand for renewable energy
Accelerated investment in renewable energy production and storage adds to the growing zinc demand. According to the International Zinc Association zinc use in renewables will more than quadruple in the current decade.
Zinc production
Currently, the global production of zinc stands at 13.858 million tonnes per year (2021). It is produced mostly from zinc sulphide concentrates (90%) and from Waelz Oxides (10%).
Annually, 28.44 million tonnes of zinc sulphide concentrates with an average concentration of ~45% zinc are produced from mining of zinc sulphide (sphalerite) deposits. 1.63 million tonnes of Washed Waelz Oxides with an average concentration of ~65% zinc are produced annually. Most Waelz Oxides are a recycled zinc oxide recovered from electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). Both streams are sold to smelters for zinc metal production.
BelZinc Oxide contains >96% ZnO (>77% Zn) and is produced from primary ZnO ores or from secondary Zn-containing materials. It is an ideal feedstock for the production of metallic zinc. With its high Zn grade and low level of impurities it doesn’t require roasting and can be leached directly. This is a major advantage as the roasting plant is a bottleneck for most zinc smelters.
BelZinc oxide is also a prime feedstock for producing zinc sulphate monohydrate salts for fertilizer and animal feed applications
