Whither Zinc?

Abstract

AbstractPresent technology for production of primary zinc by the Imperial Smelting and electrolytic zinc processes followed long and expensive process development, driven by the need to improve on inefficient, small scale and labour intensive retorting processes. These newer processes are complementary, very efficient and continue to develop to meet evolving needs, with no sign of a shortage of suitable concentrates to force major change to newer technology.Several proposed intensive zinc processes to treat calcines, and an innovative direct process treating polymetallic sulphide concentrates, all need to condense bulk metallic zinc from a dust‐ or fume‐laden gas, e.g. by absorption in a lead or zinc condenser. Efficient metal recovery and process control will meet major engineering and operating difficulties. Successful commercialisation to bulk zinc, if ever achieved, will require long and expensive development, and present need does not justify the costs and effort involved.Whither zinc? Most likely down an evolutionary path from present technology, with added environmental protection whose costs must be carried by the industry, then by society.