ZIRCON
There are a number of market segment applications for zircon, namely:
- Approximately 52% of the world's premium grade zircon is used as an opacifier in ceramic glazes commonly used in kitchen and bathroom ceramics, and dinnerware;
- 9% of the world's premium grade zircon is used in the manufacture of zirconia and zirconium chemicals;
- Refractories and foundries account for 15% of world market share.
Zircon has a broad range of applications:
Domestic Products
- Ceramics
- Food
- Cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medicine
- Glass faceplates for television tubes
- Computer disc drives
- Lightweight warm and protective clothing
- Ball point pens
- Wear resistant knives
Industrial Manufacturing Processes (heat and corrosion resistant qualities):
- Engines
- Electronics
- Electron absorber in nuclear reactors
- Chemical processing plants
- Armour planting on military aircraft
- Heat shields on space shuttles
- Steel industry blast furnace linings
Titanium Products (TiO2)
Approximately 93% of world titanium minerals are used in the production of TiO2 pigment. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white powder with high opacity and brilliant whiteness. It has exceptional covering capacity and is resistant to colour change, making it a highly desirable pigment and opacifier.
Applications of TiO2 pigment include:
- 57% as an opacifier in paints
- 20% in plastics
- 13% in paper
- 10% in inks and fibres
The remaining 7% of world titanium mineral production is used in non-pigment markets:
- Titanium metal
- aerospace applications (aircraft, jet engines, satellites)
- surgical equipment (metal joints, screws and pins, pacemakers)
- Sporting goods (golf clubs)
- Fluxes for welding rods to stabilise electric arcs and reduce slag viscosity formed during welding
- Blast furnaces and abrasive cleaning in the steel industry
China is a major consumer with their booming construction industry increasing the demand for these products. |
