Zinc is the fourth widely used metal after steel, aluminium and copper in the world. Mainly used for galvanizing steel, zinc is also used in alloys, batteries, rubber, paint, electroplating metal spraying and several other sectors.

Global Situation

The average global price of zinc is expected to stay at $ 3,060 per ton in 2006, up 120 percent compared with 2005. In 2007, zinc is expected to remain firm as consumption is expected to exceed output by 250,000 ton. The rapid growth in the Asian region is mainly the trigger for rise in global zinc consumption. Refined zinc output globally is expected to grow by a moderate 3 percent to 10.6 million ton in 2006; it may further move up to 11.0 million ton in 2007. Major producers in Asia are enhancing capacity to in tune with the demand for zinc in the coming years.

Indian Situation

India is one of the fastest growing regions of zinc consumption in the world. Indian zinc demand is likely to grow 12-15 percent per annum compared with the global average of 5 percent. Growth in steel sector is the main factor behind the rise in domestic consumption as 70 percent of India’s zinc use is accounted by steel galvanizing. India hopes to become self reliant in zinc production by 2010. Industry estimates place that India’s annual production has to touch 14 ton per year by 2020 if it has to sustain 10 percent growth till 2010 and at 7 percent rate thereafter.

Zinc is the fourth widely used metal after steel, aluminium and copper in the world. Mainly used for galvanizing steel, zinc is also used in alloys, batteries, rubber, paint, electroplating metal spraying and several other sectors. The average global price of zinc is expected to stay at $ 3,060 per ton in 2006, up 120 percent compared with 2005. In 2007, zinc is expected to remain firm as consumption is expected to exceed output by 250,000 ton. The rapid growth in the Asian region is mainly the trigger for rise in global zinc consumption. Refined zinc output globally is expected to grow by a moderate 3 percent to 10.6 million ton in 2006; it may further move up to 11.0 million ton in 2007. Major producers in Asia are enhancing capacity to in tune with the demand for zinc in the coming years.

India is one of the fastest growing regions of zinc consumption in the world. Indian zinc demand is likely to grow 12-15 percent per annum compared with the global average of 5 percent. Growth in steel sector is the main factor behind the rise in domestic consumption as 70 percent of India’s zinc use is accounted by steel galvanizing. India hopes to become self reliant in zinc production by 2010. Industry estimates place that India’s annual production has to touch 14 ton per year by 2020 if it has to sustain 10 percent growth till 2010 and at 7 percent rate thereafter.