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CVW CleanTech, - Zircon Technology
CVW CleanTech Inc. is at the forefront of the zircon market by proposing innovative solutions that can potentially address up to 15% of the global zircon demand through its CVW™ technology. Zircon, or zircon silicate (ZrSiO4), is a critical mineral known for its thermal stability and reflective properties, thus having significant applications in the ceramics industry, especially in the production of tiles and fixtures. Beyond ceramics, zircon sand is processed into fused zirconia, zirconium chemicals, chemical zirconia, and zirconium metal, which are essential for various industrial applications, including foundries and refractories. The extraction of zirconium metal utilizes chemical leaching and chlorination processes to ensure purity and performance in specialized chemical uses. The global demand for zircon currently exceeds 1 million tonnes per annum, with China being a principal consumer, absorbing over half of the world's supply. Due to depleting resources, meeting future demand poses a significant challenge that CVW CleanTech seeks to address.
Industry wide implementation of CVW™ could supply over 15% of the global demand for zircon.
Zircon, also known as zircon silicate (ZrSiO4), is found in ancient mineral sand deposits and is prized for its thermal stability and reflective properties.
The main use of zircon sand is its conversion into flour and opacifier to make ceramics (i.e. tiles and fixtures). Zircon is also used a feedstock to produce fused zirconia, zirconium chemicals, chemical zirconia and zirconium metal. Zircon sand is directly used in foundry applications and refractories and other minor applications.
Zirconia is derived from zircon either by a chemical route that involves leaching and decomposition, or via a fusion process. Similarly, zirconium metal is obtained through a leaching/chlorination process for further use in chemical applications and other minor uses.
Zircon Market Supply/Demand
World demand for zircon is more than 1 million tonnes per annum, with demand forecasted to exceed supply by around 2023, due to depletion of current mining resources.
Steep zircon production increases were observed after the year 2000, which coincided with considerable growth of Chinese demand for zircon sand. From 2000 to 2010, China passed from being an average zircon consumer in 2000 to the biggest zircon consumer in the world after 2010, accounting for over half of world consumption. A major trend during the last 3 years is the continued increase in exports of zircon concentrates to China for further upgrading.