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.
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.
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.
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 |
Here are some important facts that you must know about zirconium metal:
Australia, with annual zirconium production of 476,000 metric tons, holds the title of the largest zirconium producing country in the world 2024.
South Africa is the largest producer of zirconium in the world, with a production of 392,000 metric tons.
The top-5 largest zirconium producers in the world are: Australia, South Africa, China, Indonesia and Ukraine.
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