Zirconium is an important metal used in various industries, including nuclear, aerospace, and chemical. It is known for its resistance to heat and corrosion. This article explores the top 10 zirconium-producing countries in 2024, highlighting their production capabilities and significance in the global market.
What is Zirconium?
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and the atomic number 40. It was first discovered in 1789, isolated in a pure form in 1824, and started being produced on a large scale by 1925.
Zirconium is a shiny metal that has a greyish-white color. It looks similar to hafnium and, to a lesser extent, titanium. It is solid at room temperature and has useful properties: it is flexible (ductile), can be shaped (malleable), and does not easily rust (corrosion-resistant).
The name zirconium comes from the mineral zircon, which is the main source of zirconium. The term “zircon” is related to the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-like.”
In addition to zircon, zirconium can be found in over 140 other minerals, such as baddeleyite and eudialyte. Most zirconium is obtained as a byproduct when minerals are mined for titanium and tin.
Largest Zirconium Producer in the World 2024
Australia is the largest producer of zirconium in the world, with a production of 476,000 metric tons. The country has rich mineral deposits, particularly in Western Australia, where zirconium is extracted from mineral sands. Australia’s advanced mining technology and extensive resources make it a key player in the global zirconium market.
Top-10 Largest Zirconium metal Producers in the World 2024
Australia, with annual zirconium production of 476,000 metric tons, holds the title of the largest zirconium producing country in the world 2024, followed by South Africa, China and Indonesia.
Here is the list of top-10 largest zirconium metal producing countries in the world 2024:
| Largest Zirconium Producers in the World 2024 | ||
| Rank | Countries | Zirconium Production (in metric tons) |
| 1. | Australia | 476,000 |
| 2. | South Africa | 392,000 |
| 3. | China | 130,000 |
| 4. | Indonesia | 63,000 |
| 5. | Ukraine | 35,000 |
| 6. | India | 31,000 |
| 7. | Brazil | 18,134 |
| 8. | Vietnam | 7,000 |
| 9. | Malaysia | 7,000 |
| 10. | Russian Federation | 5,000 |
Some Key Facts related to Zirconium Metal
Here are some important facts that you must know about zirconium metal:
- Discovery: Zirconium was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789, and Jöns Jacob Berzelius isolated pure zirconium in 1824.
- Name Origin: Zirconium is named after zircon, which comes from the Persian word meaning “golden,” reflecting the beautiful colors of zircon gemstones.
- Global Reserves: As of 2015, the world has 78 million tons of zirconium reserves, with Australia and South Africa holding the largest shares.
- Production: In 2014, global zirconium ore production was 1.54 million tons, with Australia leading at 900,000 tons.
- Consumption: China and Europe are the biggest consumers of zirconium, with China accounting for 52% of global demand.
- Uses: Zirconium has been used as a gemstone for centuries and is now found in ceramics, knives, and various industrial applications.
- Health Safety: Zirconium is safe for human health and is commonly used in jewelry and ceramics.
- Distinguishing Zircon from Diamond: Unlike diamonds, zircon cannot hold a mark from a ballpoint pen because it is not lipophilic, making it easier to tell them apart.
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