Zinc ores and concentrates

HS code 260800 covers zinc ores and concentrates, a crucial raw material for the global zinc production industry. Zinc is a versatile metal with a wide range of applications, from galvanizing steel to producing brass and die-cast alloys. The zinc mining and processing industry plays a vital role in supporting various manufacturing sectors and contributing to economic development worldwide.

Zinc ores and concentrates are typically extracted through mining operations, which involve the excavation and processing of zinc-bearing mineral deposits. The primary production techniques include open-pit mining, underground mining, and beneficiation processes such as crushing, grinding, and flotation to concentrate the zinc content. The concentrated zinc ores are then further processed at smelters to produce refined zinc metal.

The main inputs required for the zinc ores and concentrates industry include mining equipment, such as excavators, trucks, and processing machinery; energy sources, such as electricity and fuel; and various chemical reagents used in the beneficiation and smelting processes. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including miners, geologists, and metallurgical engineers, to ensure efficient and safe operations.

The primary output of the zinc ores and concentrates industry is refined zinc metal, which is then used as a raw material in a wide range of industries. Some of the key industries that consume zinc include 720810 Steel, 740110 Copper, and 760110 Aluminum, where it is used for galvanization, alloying, and other applications. The zinc ores and concentrates industry also produces zinc oxide, which is used in the production of 850720 Batteries and 321100 Paints.