Domestic production and use

1. The value of zinc mined in 2000, based on contained zinc recoverable from concentrate, was about $973 million. It was formed in 6 States by 19 mines operated by 8 mining companies. Alaska, Missouri, New York, and Tennessee accounted for 98% of domestic mine output; Alaska alone accounted for about three-fourths of production.
2. Three primary and 12 large- and medium-sized secondary smelters refined zinc metal of commercial grade in 2000. Of zinc metal consumed, about 75% was used in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, mostly by steel companies.
3. Of the total zinc consumed, about 57% was used in galvanizing, 17% in zinc-base alloys, 13% in brass and bronze, and 13% in other uses. Zinc compounds and dust were used principally by the agriculture, chemical, paint, and rubber industries. Major coproducts of zinc mining and smelting, in order of decreasing tonnage, were lead, sulfur, cadmium, silver, gold, and germanium.

Recycling

In 2000, an estimated 410,000 tons of zinc was recovered from waste and scrap; about one-third was recovered in the form of slab zinc and the remainder in alloys, oxide, and chemicals. Of the total amount of scrap recycled, 320,000 tons was derived from new scrap and 90,000 tons was derived from old scrap.

Substitutes

Aluminum, steel, and plastics substitute for galvanized sheet. Aluminum, plastics, and magnesium are major competitors as diecasting materials. Plastic coatings, paint, and cadmium and aluminum alloy coatings replace zinc for corrosion protection; aluminum alloys are used in place of brass. Many elements are substitutes for zinc in chemical, electronic, and pigment uses.

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