Zinc is a lustrous bluish-white metal. It is found in group IIb of the periodic table. It is brittle and crystalline at ordinary temperatures, but it becomes ductile and malleable when heated between 110°C and 150°C. It is a fairly reactive metal that will combine with oxygen and other non-metals, and will react with dilute acids to release hydrogen.

The industrial applications of zinc include: Paint / Coatings industry, The Chemical Industry, Petroleum and Lubrication Industry, Automotive, Building and Construction Industries.

About 12 million tons of zinc is produced annually worldwide. Half of this amount is used for galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion. Approximately 17% goes into the production of zinc base alloys, mainly to supply the die casting industry and 17% to produce brass and bronze. Significant amounts are also utilized in zinc semi-manufactures applications including roofing, gutters and down-pipes. The Capacity of zinc in India:

Current - 9, 17,000 MT

Projected – 9,79,000 MT by 2017

Demand :      Past & Future

Year                th  MT

2000-01           267

2001-02           283

2002-03           300

2003-04           340

2004-05           375

2005-06           440

2006-07           500

2007-08           550

2008-09           600

2009-10           650

2010-11           702

2011-12           755

2012-13           808

2013-14           864

2014-15           925

2019-20           1297

Market Structure

Market Segmentation

Segment                                                      Share (%)

Galvanising                                                  70

Dry cells                                                       10

Zinc alloys (brass, bronze)                           10

Die casting                                                     5

Chemicals                                                      5

Domestic                                                       70

Imports                                                          30

Market Growth Rates

1990-91-1996-97                                   4.9%

1996-97-2001-02                                   7.2%

2001-02-2006-07                                  12.1%

2006-07-2011-12                                    8.6%

2011-12-2019-20                                    7.0%

 Sensitivity Coefficient                           4.1%

 Leading Players

Hindustan Zinc           

Sterlite Ind.     

Binani Industries