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The availability of baddeleyite (natural ZrO2) is declining
rapidly to the extent that it will be almost depleted by the year
2002. The global demand for ZrO2 and zirconium downstream products
respectively are 36000 mt / y (140 mil US$) and 63000 mt / y (370
mil US$).
In addition to the growing market, consumers’
demand increased quality, more flexible product ranges and a price
competitive package. Manufacturers in this sector are now more
than ever facing the challenge of finding technology to cost
effectively produce high purity ZrO2, zirconium downstream
products, zirconia pigments and stabilised zirconia using zircon
sand (ZrSiO4) as raw material.
South Africa has 45% of the worlds zircon
deposits and organisations are exporting this mineral with little
or no value addition at approximately R2 100 / mt. With the
technology currently in development, value could be added to the
zircon by producing Zr chemicals, stabilised zirconia and pigments
that respectively fetch up to R36 000 / mt, R150 000 / mt and R90
000 / mt on the export market. Indications are that the technology
further allows a flexible and cost effective production process.
The above factors contribute towards a competitive advantage in
terms of manufacturing high quality zirconium products in South
Africa.
During this R&D project, local expertise
will be utilised to ensure that the value-added know-how is
utilised to the benefit of the South African economy. Funds will
also be allocated for the training of technical people in the
ceramic field. During the commercialisation of the technology,
many new direct jobs will be created and since these products are
US$ based, foreign currency will be earned that has a multiplier
effect in the economy. |