Supply Shortage of Zircon to Continue, Further Price Rises Unsustainable
LONDON, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Roskill Information Services
Zirconium: Global industry markets and outlook, 2011 (13th edition)
Consumption of zircon rebounded strongly in 2010, reaching 1.33Mt, following an 18% fall in 2009 because of the global economic downturn. Growth over the last decade has come mainly from the ceramics and chemical sectors, growing by 4.1%py and 7.5%py respectively compared to overall market growth of 2.6%py. China now accounts for over half of total consumption, with the wider Asian region accounting for two-thirds of consumption. Other major ceramic producing countries, such as Spain and Italy, are also large consumers of zircon.
Chemical uses for zircon include pigments, coatings and catalysts as well as the production of synthetic zirconia and zircon metal. Zirconia finds widespread use as a refractory and catalyst material while zircon metal is used largely in nuclear fuel rods. Other end uses, including foundries and refractories, have shown little or no growth over the last decade. The use of zircon in cathode ray tubes has declined considerably as consumers have switched to flat panel display screens.
Zircon is produced predominately in Australia (40% of output in 2010), South Africa (29%) and the USA (8%). Output is controlled by four major producers: Iluka Resources, Richards Bay Minerals, Exxaro Resources and DuPont, together accounting for two-thirds of capacity in 2010.
Zircon has historically been a by-product of titanium mineral extraction, and output has long been constrained by titanium mineral demand. Growth in production of zircon has lagged consumption since the early 2000s, but an almost doubling in zircon prices between 2004 and 2006 put more emphasis on primary zircon production. New deposits entering production, such as in Victoria and South Australia, are being mined predominately for their zircon content.
Increased output from Australia and recovery of zircon from tin and gold tailings in Indonesia boosted supply in 2006 and 2007 and prices stabilised at around US$800/t. The need for greater production was short lived however, as the global economic downturn significantly reduced demand in 2008 and 2009. In an effort to conserve cashflow, producers shuttered capacity, reduced output and started to run down stocks. Higher costs and tight control of the supply chain meant prices remained resilient, despite the downturn in demand. Demand started to recover strongly from Q2 2009 and Chinese imports surged by over 50% in 2010. Producers struggled to meet the rapid rise, already low stocks quickly became exhausted and prices have escalated to record levels in early 2011.
Future demand for zircon is forecast to increase by 5.4%py, led by ceramics and chemical output in China. Recovery in demand from western markets is likely to be protracted, especially in the ceramics sector. Other end-uses are forecast to show little growth and could be negatively affected by higher prices and substitution.
Capacity for zircon production might rise by only 2.3%py through 2015 as only a few new projects are scheduled to be commissioned. In addition, some of the projects in Australia, particularly those being developed by Iluka, will offset the eventual loss of production in the USA and Western Australia due to the closure of heavy mineral operations.
With little prospect of additional supply coming on-stream in the period to 2015 to balance market demand, pricing will move higher. Continued price rises for zircon are unsustainable however, and thrifting of zircon use or substitution may feature strongly and serve to reduce demand. Higher prices will prompt increased interest in new sources of supply, although expediting those mineral sands projects currently at feasibility is not a simple task.
Zircon: Global industry markets and outlook, 13th edition, 2011 is available at £3300 / US$5400 / €4600 from Roskill Information Services Ltd, 54 Russell Road, London SW19 1QL ENGLAND. Tel: +44 20 8417 0087. Fax +44 20 8417 1308 Email: info@roskill.co.uk Web: http://www.roskill.com/zirconium
Note to editors
The report contains 336 pages, 192 tables and 76 figures. It provides a detailed review of the industry, with subsections on the activities of the leading producing companies. It also analyses consumption, trade and prices.
Table of Contents
1 Summary 1
2 Zirconium mineralogy, occurrence and reserves 7
2.1 Zirconium mineralogy 7
2.2 Occurrence of zirconium 9
2.3 World reserves of zirconium 9
2.3.1 Reserves and resources of zircon by company 10
3 Mining, processing and production of zircon,
zirconium chemicals and zirconium metal 13
3.1 Mining and processing of zircon 13
3.1.1 Grades of zircon 13
3.2 Production processes for zirconium chemicals 16
3.2.1 Zirconia (ZrO2) 16
3.2.2 Zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl28H2O) 17
3.2.3 Zirconium basic sulphate (Zr5O8(SO4)xH2O) 17
3.2.4 Zirconium basic carbonate (ZrOCO3xH2O) 18
3.2.5 Ammonium zirconium carbonate ((NH4)2ZrO(CO3))18
3.2.6 Other zirconium chemicals 18
3.3 Production process for zirconium sponge 18
4 World production of zirconium minerals 21
4.1 Production of zirconium minerals 21
4.1.1 Leading producers of zirconium minerals 24
4.1.2 Potential zircon-producing projects 27
4.2 Outlook for the supply of zircon 29
5 World processed zircon capacity 31
5.1 Production capacity for milled zircon 31
5.2 Production capacity for zirconia 33
5.3 Production capacity for other zirconium
chemicals 36
6 Production and processing of zirconium
minerals, chemicals and metal by country 38
6.1 Argentina 38
6.2 Armenia 38
6.3 Australia 38
6.3.1 Production of zircon in Australia 39
6.3.2 Production of zircon by company in Australia 41
6.3.2.1 Iluka Resources Limited 42
6.3.2.2 Consolidated Rutile Limited 51
6.3.2.3 Bemax Resources NL 52
6.3.2.4 Tiwest Pty Limited 55
6.3.2.5 Matilda Zircon Limited 57
6.3.2.6 Doral Mineral Sands Pty. Limited 60
6.3.3 Former producers of zircon in Australia 60
6.3.3.1 Australian Zircon NL 61
6.3.4 Zircon projects in Australia 62
6.3.4.1 Astron Limited 63
6.3.4.2 Australian Zirconia Limited 64
6.3.4.3 Diatreme Resources Limited 65
6.3.4.4 Gunson Resources Limited 67
6.3.5 Other zircon prospects in Australia 69
6.3.5.1 Adelaide Resources Limited 69
6.3.5.2 Austpac Resources NL 69
6.3.5.3 Australian Minerals and Mining Group Limited 70
6.3.5.4 Aztec Resources Limited 70
6.3.5.5 International Goldfields Limited 70
6.3.5.6 Dominion Mining Limited 71
6.3.5.7 Image Resources NL 71
6.3.5.8 Marathon Resources Limited 75
6.3.5.9 Red Metal Limited 75
6.3.5.10 Sheffield Resources Limited 76
6.3.6 Producers of zirconium chemicals and
zirconia in Australia 76
6.3.6.1 Doral Fused Materials Pty Limited 76
6.3.6.2 Mintech Chemical Industries Pty Limited 77
6.3.6.3 Morgan Technical Ceramics Melbourne 77
6.3.7 Former processors of zircon in Australia 77
6.3.7.1 SEPR (Australia) Pty. Limited 77
6.3.7.2 Unimin Australia 78
6.3.8 Exports of zircon from Australia 78
6.4 Austria 80
6.5 Bangladesh 80
6.6 Belgium 81
6.7 Brazil 82
6.7.1 Production of zircon in Brazil 82
6.7.2 Producers of zircon in Brazil 82
6.7.2.1 Millennium Inorgânica Chemicals do Brasil 82
6.7.2.2 Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil 83
6.7.2.3 Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio 83
6.7.3 Potential producers of zircon in Brazil 84
6.7.3.1 Paranapanema Mineração 84
6.7.3.2 SA Mineração da Trinidade (Samitri) 84
6.7.4 Processors of zircon in Brazil 85
6.7.4.1 Endeka Ceramics 85
6.7.4.2 Trébol Brasil 85
6.7.4.3 Gruppo Colorobbia 85
6.7.5 Producers of zirconia in Brazil 85
6.7.6 Imports of zircon into Brazil 85
6.8 Canada 86
6.8.1 Potential zircon operations in Canada 86
6.8.1.1 Titanium Corporation Incorporated 87
6.8.1.2 Quest Rare Minerals Limited 87
6.8.1.3 Avalon Rare Metals Incorporated 88
6.8.1.4 Matamec Explorations Limited 89
6.8.2 Processors of zircon in Canada 89
6.8.3 Producers of zirconium chemicals in Canada 89
6.8.4 Producers of zirconia in Canada 89
6.9 Chile 89
6.1 China 90
6.10.1 Production of zircon in China 90
6.10.2 Processors of zircon in China 91
6.10.2.1 Jingjiehui Group 92
6.10.2.2 Gruppo Colorobbia 93
6.10.2.3 Shandong Deluxe Minerals 93
6.10.2.4 China Glaze Company Limited 93
6.10.2.5 Imerys 93
6.10.2.6 Zhanjiang JunYu Minerals and Alloys Company
Limited 94
6.10.2.7 Yixing Yaoguang Chemical Industry Company
Limited 94
6.10.2.8 Endeka Ceramics 95
6.10.2.9 Shandong Zibo Chenyuan Powder Company
Limited 95
6.10.2.10 Tangshan Hexiang Group Company Limited 95
6.10.2.11 Arkema Guangzhou Chemical Company Limited 95
6.10.2.12 Hehui Investment Group 95
6.10.2.13 Astron Limited 96
6.10.2.14 Tricoastal Minerals Group 96
6.10.2.15 Yingkou International Powder Engineering 97
6.10.3 Producers of zirconium chemicals in China 97
6.10.3.1 Jiangxi Kingan Hi-Tech Company Limited 98
6.10.3.2 Shandong Zibo Guangtong Chemical Company
Limited 99
6.10.3.3 Sino Dragon New Energy Holdings Limited 99
6.10.3.4 Shenghua Group 100
6.10.3.5 Guangdong Orient Zirconic Industrial
Science & Technology Company Limited 101
6.10.3.6 Shanghai Zhenrong Chemical Industrial
Company Limited 101
6.10.3.7 Henan Billions Chemicals Company Limited 102
6.10.3.8 McEIT (Tianjin) International Trade 102
6.10.3.9 Deqing Xinkang Chemical Company Limited 102
6.10.3.10 Anhui Kangda Zirconium Industry Company
Limited 102
6.10.3.11 Imerys 102
6.10.3.12 Shandong Zibo Xinlvyuan Bio-Chemical
Company Limited 103
6.10.3.13 CITIC Jinzhou Ferroalloy Company Limited 103
6.10.3.14 Xinghua Songhe Chemical Reagent Plant 103
6.10.3.15 Suzhou Yotech Fine Chemical Company Limited 103
6.10.3.16 Zibo City Linzi Tiantai Chemicals Company
Limited 103
6.10.3.17 Hebei Pengda Advanced Materials Technology
Company Limited 104
6.10.3.18 Zibo Huantuo Chemical Company Limited 104
6.10.3.19 Zibo City Zichuan Chuanjun Chemical Company
Limited 104
6.10.3.20 Changsha TATI Chemical Company Limited 104
6.10.3.21 Baotou HEFA Rare Earth 104
6.10.3.22 Shanghai SEPR Zirconium Products Company
Limited 105
6.10.3.23 Yixing Gaoyang Chemical Company Limited 105
6.10.3.24 Zibo City Rongruida Micro Materials Plant 105
6.10.3.25 Zibo Jia Hua Advanced Material Resources 105
6.10.4 Producers of zirconia in China 106
6.10.4.1 Imerys 107
6.10.4.2 Fujian Sanxiang Advanced Materials Company
Limited 107
6.10.4.3 Jiaozuo Kelida Science and Technology 108
6.10.4.4 Zhengzhou Zhenzhong Fused Zirconia Company
Limited 108
6.10.4.5 Meihekou Shi Yuexing Sha Lun Te Nai
Company Limited 108
6.10.4.6 Shandong Luguang Zirconium Limited 108
6.10.4.7 Zhengzhou Yuli Industrial Company Limited 108
6.10.4.8 Jingjiehui Group 109
6.10.4.9 Dongguan SG Ceramics Technology Company
Limited 109
6.10.4.10 Tianjin Growth Zirconia Company Limited 109
6.10.4.11 Guangdong Orient Zirconic Industrial
Science & Technology Company Limited 109
6.10.4.12 Jiangsu Xinghua Songhe Chemical Reagent
Plant 110
6.10.4.13 Terio Corporation 110
6.10.4.14 Jiangxi Kingan Hi-Tech Company Limited 110
6.10.4.15 Jiaozou Weina Fine Ceramics Company Limited 110
6.10.4.16 Sino Dragon New Energy Holdings Limited 111
6.10.4.17 Yixing 3-science Ultra-fine Powder Company
Limited 111
6.10.4.18 Tianjin Innova Tech Company Limited 111
6.10.4.19 Zibo ShineSo Chemical New Material Company
Limited 111
6.10.5 Producers of zirconium metal in China 111
6.10.5.1 Guangdong Orient Zirconic Industrial
Science & Technology Company Limited 112
6.10.5.2 CITIC Jinzhou Ferroalloy Company Limited 112
6.10.5.3 State Nuclear Baoti Zirconium Industry
Company Limited 112
6.10.6 Imports of zircon into China 113
6.10.7 Exports of zirconia from China 115
6.10.8 Consumption of zircon in China 115
6.11 Czech Republic 116
6.12 Denmark 116
6.13 Egypt 116
6.14 Falkland Islands 116
6.15 France 116
6.15.1 Processors of zircon in France 117
6.15.1.1 Endeka Ceramics 117
6.15.1.2 Comptoir de Minéraux et Matières
Premières (CMMP) 117
6.15.2 Producers of zirconium chemicals in France 117
6.15.3 Producers of zirconia in France 118
6.15.3.1 Saint Gobain Group 118
6.15.4 Zirconium metal producers in France 119
6.16 Gambia 121
6.16.1.1 Astron Limited 121
6.17 Germany 122
6.17.1 Processors of zircon in Germany 123
6.17.1.1 Helmut Kreutz GmbH 123
6.17.1.2 H.J. Schmidt Mineraltechnik GmbH and
Company KG 123
6.17.2 Producers of zirconia in Germany 123
6.17.2.1 Imerys 123
6.17.2.2 H.C. Starck GmbH 124
6.17.3 Producers of zirconium alloy in Germany 124
6.18 Greenland 125
6.19 Guinea 125
6.2 India 125
6.20.1 Production of zircon in India 126
6.20.2 Producers of zircon in India 127
6.20.2.1 Indian Rare Earths Limited 128
6.20.2.2 Vetri Vel Mineral (VVM) 130
6.20.2.3 Trimex Industries Pvt Limited 130
6.20.2.4 Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited 131
6.20.3 Potential zircon projects in India 132
6.20.4 Processors of zircon in India 132
6.20.4.1 Opaque Ceramics Pvt Limited 132
6.20.4.2 Endeka Ceramics India Pvt Limited 133
6.20.4.3 Ruby Ceramics Pvt Limited 133
6.20.4.4 Ceramills Glaze & Zirconium 133
6.20.4.5 Bhumi Ceramics Pvt. Limited 133
6.20.5 Producers of zirconium chemicals in India 133
6.20.5.1 Bhalla Chemical Works Pvt Limited 133
6.20.5.2 Centrum Metallics Pvt Limited 134
6.20.5.3 Ceramic Colours India Pvt Limited 134
6.20.5.4 DURA Chemical Corporation Limited 134
6.20.5.5 Loba Chemie Pvt Limited 134
6.20.5.6 National Chemical and Dyes Company 134
6.20.6 Producers of zirconia in India 135
6.20.6.1 Rajpurohit Group of Enterprises 135
6.20.6.2 Jyoti Ceramic Industries Pvt. Limited 135
6.20.7 Producers of zirconium metal in India 136
6.20.8 Consumption of zircon in India 136
6.21 Indonesia 136
6.21.1 Producers of zircon in Indonesia 137
6.21.1.1 Zhanjiang JunYu Minerals and Alloys 137
6.21.1.2 Matilda Zircon Limited 137
6.21.1.3 Shandong Delux Minerals 139
6.21.1.4 PT. Alagro Indoperkasa 139
6.21.1.5 PT. Illuva Mining Technology Indonesia 139
6.21.1.6 PT. Visi Hutani Lestari 139
6.21.2 Exports of zircon from Indonesia 139
6.22 Italy 140
6.22.1 Processors of zircon in Italy 141
6.22.1.1 Gruppo Colorobbia SpA 141
6.22.1.2 Endeka Ceramics SpA 142
6.22.1.3 Bal-Co SpA 142
6.23 Japan 142
6.23.1 Processors of zircon in Japan 144
6.23.2 Producers of zirconium chemicals in Japan 144
6.23.2.1 Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku Kogyo Company
Limited 144
6.23.2.2 Taiyo Koko Company Limited 145
6.23.2.3 Nikkei-MEL Company Limited 145
6.23.3 Producers of zirconia in Japan 145
6.23.3.1 Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku Kogyo Company
Limited (DKKK) 146
6.23.3.2 Nippon Denko Company Limited 147
6.23.3.3 Tosoh Corporation 147
6.23.3.4 Showa Denko Group 147
6.23.3.5 JFE Material Company Limited 148
6.23.3.6 KCM Corporation 148
6.23.3.7 Tateho Chemical Industries 148
6.23.4 Producers of zirconium metal and alloys
in Japan 148
6.24 Kazakhstan 149
6.25 Kenya 149
6.25.1 Base Resources Limited 150
6.26 South Korea 151
6.27 Madagascar 151
6.27.1 Producers of zircon in Madagascar 151
6.27.1.1 QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) 152
6.27.2 Zircon projects in Madagascar 152
6.27.2.1 Madagascar Resources 152
6.28 Malawi 153
6.29 Malaysia 154
6.29.1 Producers and processors of zircon in
Malaysia 154
6.29.1.1 Endeka Ceramics 155
6.3 Mexico 155
6.31 Mongolia 155
6.32 Morocco 155
6.33 Mozambique 156
6.33.1 Producers of zircon in Mozambique 156
6.33.1.1 Kenmare Resources Plc 156
6.33.2 Zircon projects in Mozambique 158
6.33.2.1 BHP Billiton Limited 158
6.33.2.2 Rio Tinto Plc 159
6.33.2.3 Pathfinder Minerals plc 159
6.34 Namibia 159
6.35 The Netherlands 160
6.35.1 Zircon processors in the Netherlands 160
6.35.2 Trade in zircon through the Netherlands 160
6.36 New Zealand 161
6.37 Nigeria 161
6.38 Pakistan 162
6.39 Poland 162
6.4 Russia 162
6.40.1 Producers of baddeleyite in Russia 163
6.40.1.1 Eurochem 163
6.40.2 Potential zircon projects in Russia 164
6.40.2.1 ARMZ Uranium Holding Company 164
6.40.2.2 MMC Norilsk Nickel 164
6.40.2.3 Other potential zircon-producing projects
in Russia 165
6.40.3 Producers of zirconium metal in Russia 165
6.40.3.1 Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (ChMP) 166
6.41 Saudi Arabia 166
6.41.1 Zircon projects in Saudi Arabia 166
6.42 Senegal 167
6.42.1 Zircon projects in Senegal 167
6.42.1.1 Mineral Deposits Limited 167
6.42.1.2 Astron Limited 168
6.43 Sierra Leone 169
6.43.1 Producers of zircon in Sierra Leone 169
6.43.1.1 Sierra Rutile Limited 169
6.44 South Africa 171
6.44.1 Zircon production in South Africa 171
6.44.2 Current zircon producers 172
6.44.2.1 Richards Bay Minerals 172
6.44.2.2 Exxaro Resources Limited 174
6.44.3 Potential zircon-producing projects 178
6.44.3.1 Mineral Commodities Pty. Limited 179
6.44.4 Processors of zircon in South Africa 180
6.44.4.1 Eggerding South Africa Pty Limited 180
6.44.4.2 Zirtile Milling 180
6.44.5 Producers of zirconia in South Africa 180
6.44.6 Producers of zirconium chemicals in South
Africa 181
6.44.7 Exports of zircon from South Africa 181
6.45 Spain 183
6.45.1 Processors of zircon in Spain 184
6.45.1.1 Mario Pilato Blat 184
6.45.1.2 Endeka Ceramics 185
6.45.1.3 Gruppo Colorobbia SA 186
6.45.1.4 Grupo Guzman SA 186
6.45.1.5 Groupo Torrecid SA 186
6.46 Sri Lanka 186
6.46.1 Producers of zircon in Sri Lanka 187
6.46.2 Potential zircon projects in Sri Lanka 188
6.46.3 Exports of zircon from Sri Lanka 188
6.47 Sweden 189
6.48 Tanzania 189
6.49 Taiwan 190
6.5 Thailand 190
6.51 Turkey 191
6.51.1 Zircon projects in Turkey 192
6.52 Ukraine 192
6.52.1 Production of zircon in Ukraine 192
6.52.2 Producers of zircon in Ukraine 193
6.52.2.1 Vilnohirsk State Mining Metallurgical Plant 193
6.52.2.2 Dimurinsky GOK 194
6.52.3 Zircon projects in Ukraine 194
6.52.3.1 Rutile-Ilmenite Company (RICO) 194
6.52.4 Exports of zircon from Ukraine 195
6.53 UK 196
6.53.1 Processors of zircon in the UK 197
6.53.1.1 Magna Industrials Limited 197
6.53.1.2 Minchem HMP Limited 198
6.53.1.3 Minelco Limited 198
6.53.1.4 Prince Minerals Limited 198
6.53.2 Producers of zirconium chemicals in the UK 198
6.53.3 Producers of zirconia in the UK 199
6.53.3.1 Washington Mills Electro Minerals Limited 199
6.53.3.2 MEL Chemicals Limited 199
6.53.3.3 Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited 199
6.53.4 Producers of zirconium metal in the UK 200
6.54 Uruguay 200
6.55 USA 200
6.55.1 Producers of zircon in the USA 200
6.55.1.1 Iluka Resources Incorporated 201
6.55.1.2 E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company 202
6.55.2 Former producers of zircon in the USA 203
6.55.3 Zircon projects in the USA 204
6.55.4 Processors of zircon in the USA 204
6.55.4.1 Trebol USA LLC 205
6.55.4.2 Continental Mineral Processing Corporation 205
6.55.4.3 Endeka Ceramics Incorporated 206
6.55.4.4 Prince Minerals Incorporated 206
6.55.4.5 TAM Ceramics LLC 206
6.55.4.6 BPI Incorporated 206
6.55.4.7 AluChem Incorporated 206
6.55.5 Producers of zirconium chemicals in the USA 207
6.55.5.1 ATI Wah Chang 207
6.55.5.2 Southern Ionics Incorporated 208
6.55.5.3 Shepherd Chemical Company 208
6.55.6 Producers of zirconia in the USA 209
6.55.6.1 Imerys 209
6.55.6.2 Saint-Gobain Group 209
6.55.6.3 TAM Ceramics LLC 209
6.55.6.4 Zircoa Incorporated 210
6.55.6.5 Z-TECH LLC 210
6.55.6.6 Washington Mills Electro Minerals
Corporation 210
6.55.6.7 MEL Chemicals 210
6.55.6.8 Zircar Zirconia Incorporated 211
6.55.7 Producers of zirconium metal in the USA 211
6.55.7.1 ATI Wah Chang 211
6.55.7.2 Western Zirconium Incorporated 212
6.55.8 US trade in zircon 212
6.55.9 Apparent consumption of zircon in the USA 213
6.56 Vietnam 213
6.56.1 Production of zircon in Vietnam 215
6.56.2 Producers of zircon in Vietnam 215
6.56.2.1 Hatinh Minerals and Trading Corporation
(Mitraco) 215
6.56.2.2 Thua Thien Hue Mineral Corporation
(Humexco) 216
6.56.2.3 Bindinh Minerals Joint Stock Company
(Bimico) 216
6.56.3 Exports of zircon from Vietnam 217
7 International trade in zirconium minerals
and products 218
7.1 International trade in zirconium ores and
concentrates 218
7.1.1 Exports of zirconium ores and concentrates 218
7.1.2 Imports of zirconium ores and concentrates 220
7.2 International trade in zirconia 222
7.3 International trade in zirconium metal 225
8 Consumption of zircon, zirconia and
zirconium metal 228
8.1 Consumption of zircon by region and country 228
8.2 Consumption of zircon by end use 231
8.3 Consumption of zirconia by end use 232
8.4 Consumption of zirconium metal 233
8.5 Outlook for consumption of zircon, zirconia
and zirconium metal 234
9 Use of zircon and zirconia in traditional
ceramics 236
9.1 Use of zircon in opacifiers 237
9.2 Use of zircon in ceramic glazes 238
9.3 Ceramic tiles 239
9.4 Sanitaryware 240
9.5 Tableware 241
9.6 Electrical porcelain 241
9.7 Enamels 242
9.8 Use of zirconia in stains and pigments 242
9.9 Production of whitewares 243
9.9.1 Production of ceramic tiles 243
9.9.2 Producers of ceramic tiles 248
9.9.3 Consumption of ceramic tiles 249
9.9.4 Production and consumption of sanitaryware 250
9.1 Consumption and outlook of demand for
zircon in ceramics 256
10 Use of zircon in zirconium chemicals 261
10.1 Uses for zirconium chemicals 264
10.1.1 Pigment coating 265
10.1.2 Paints 265
10.1.3 Surface coating 265
10.1.4 Metal coating 265
10.1.5 Antiperspirants 266
10.1.6 Leather tanning 266
10.1.7 Textiles 266
10.1.8 Oil and gas industry 267
10.1.9 Catalysts 267
10.2 Consumption of zircon in zirconium
chemicals 268
10.3 Outlook of demand for zirconia in zirconium
chemicals 269
11 Use of zircon in foundry sands 270
11.1 Casting processes 270
11.2 Types of foundry sands 271
11.3 World production of castings 273
11.4 Consumption of zircon in foundry sands 276
11.5 Outlook for consumption of zircon in
foundry sands 277
12 Use of zircon and zirconia in refractories 279
12.1 Zirconia based refractory materials 280
12.1.1 Zircon 280
12.1.2 Zirconia 280
12.1.3 Alumina-zirconia-silica 281
12.2 Zircon and zirconia refractories 281
12.2.1 Refractory consumption in steel industry 281
12.2.2 Refractory consumption in cement industry 282
12.2.3 Refractory consumption in glass industry 283
12.3 Production of refractories 287
12.3.1 Production of refractories in China 288
12.3.2 Production of refractories in Europe 289
12.3.3 Production of refractories in the USA 290
12.3.4 Production of refractories in Japan 291
12.3.5 Production of refractories in India 293
12.4 Producers of zircon and zirconia
refractories 294
12.5 Production of steel 295
12.6 Production of cement 298
12.7 Production of glass 300
12.7.1 Production of container glass 300
12.7.1.1 Production of container glass in the
European Union 301
12.7.1.2 Production of container glass in China 302
12.7.1.3 Production of container glass in the USA 303
12.7.1.4 Production of container glass in Japan 303
12.7.2 Production of flat glass 304
12.7.2.1 Production of plate glass in China 305
12.7.2.2 Production of flat glass in the European
Union 305
12.7.2.3 Production of flat glass in the USA 306
12.7.2.4 Production of flat glass in Japan 307
12.8 Trends in refractories consumption 307
12.8.1 Steel industry 308
12.8.2 Cement industry 309
12.8.3 Glass industry 309
12.9 Consumption of zircon in refractories 312
12.1 Outlook of demand for zircon in
refractories 314
13 Use of zircon in other applications 317
13.1 Use of zircon in glass 317
13.1.1 Use of zircon in cathode ray tube glass 317
13.1.1.1 Producers of CRT glass 317
13.1.1.2 Production of CRTs 318
13.1.1.3 Outlook for zircon in CRT glass 319
13.1.2 Use of zircon in other glasses 320
13.2 Uses of zircon in zirconium sponge and
alloys 320
13.2.1 Producers of zirconium sponge 321
13.2.2 Use of zirconium sponge and alloys in
nuclear energy 321
13.2.2.1 Producers and fabricators of zirconium for
the nuclear industry 322
13.2.3 Demand for nuclear energy 323
13.2.4 Use of zirconium sponge and alloys in
industrial process plants 324
13.2.5 Use of zirconium in photographic flash
bulbs 324
13.2.6 Uses of other zirconium alloys 325
13.2.7 Demand for zirconium sponge 326
13.3 Use of zircon and zirconia in abrasives 327
13.3.1 Producers of zirconia abrasives 328
13.3.2 Consumption of zircon in abrasives 328
13.4 Use of zirconia in advanced ceramics 329
13.4.1 Electronic ceramics 330
13.4.2 Catalytic and environmental applications 331
13.4.3 Structural ceramics 333
13.4.4 Ceramic coatings 334
13.4.5 Demand for zirconium in advanced ceramics 336
13.5 Use of zirconium in solid oxide fuel
cells (SOFCs) 336
13.6 Cubic zirconia 337
14 Prices of zircon and zirconium products 338
14.1 Zircon prices 338
14.2 Zircon flour and opacifier prices 342
14.3 Baddeleyite prices 344
14.4 Zirconia prices 346
14.5 Zirconium metal prices 349
14.6 Outlook for zircon and zirconium products
prices 350
For further information or a review copy of this report, please contact Robert Baylis (robert@roskill.co.uk). To receive press releases via email, please contact Prakash Ramachandran (prakash@roskill.co.uk).
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