Name of the Project
Zinc refining processes study.

Location
South Africa.

Should the research deliver a feasible chemical engineering solution, Saldanha Bay is considered a suitable location for the establishment of a new zinc refinery, as it already has an industrial development zone near a zinc-ore export port, as well as a big refined-zinc end-user.

Project Owner/s
International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa Desk.

IZA member Vedanta South Africa (SA), and Duferco Steel Processing that galvanises steel in Saldanha Bay, are participating in the project.

Vedanta SA will sponsor a desktop study of a variety of zinc processes, while Duferco Steel Processing is funding laboratory-scale research on zinc process chemistry.

Project Description
The study will investigate the feasibility of new zinc refining processes to meet South Africa’s own demand for refined zinc using locally produced ore and concentrates.

The research will focus on developing and understanding such processes to considerably reduce the external power input, compared with traditional pyrometallurgical processes. This will allow for the economically viable production of special high-grade refined zinc.

Ore use may be further maximised by producing refined by-products such as silver and rare-earth elements.

The proposed operation is also expected to have a considerably reduced carbon footprint.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The IZA Africa Desk has secured “considerable” research funding for the study. 

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
IZA Africa Desk, tel +27 21 788 9980 or email zinc@iafrica.com.