Think of zinc, and you are most likely to picture the metal used to protect steel from corrosion. Less visible, but equally important to modern industry, are zinc powders and dusts, which are finely divided forms of zinc that perform a wide range of specialised functions across industrial and manufacturing applications.
According to the International Zinc Association (IZA), zinc chemicals, including zinc dust, account for about 10% of global zinc consumption. Applications range from chemical processing and batteries to paints, lubricants, plastics, pharmaceuticals and the recovery of valuable metals.
However, the market for zinc powders, dust and flake can be widely variable dependent on the viewpoint. For example the US Geological Survey and the American Galvanizers’ Association allocate 6% to 10% of annual global zinc consumption (~11–14 million metric tons total) to the combined chemicals, powders and miscellaneous category.
On the other hand, metallurgical and trade data isolates standalone manufactured metallic zinc dust, atomised powders, and flakes (HS Code 790310) to roughly 4% to 5% of refined slab production by mass, representing an annual market value exceeding US$1.5 billion.
“Zinc powders and dusts demonstrate just how versatile zinc can be beyond its better-known role as a protective coating for steel,” comments Simon Norton, Director of IZA Africa. “Their physical and chemical properties make them useful in processes where precision, reactivity and performance are important, and this has relevance across a number of industries operating in Africa.”
Zinc powder is generally produced by atomising molten zinc, while zinc dust is commonly produced through the condensation of zinc vapour. In practice, the distinction can depend on the fineness of the material, with dust generally referring to finer particles.
An industrial workhorse
One of the important applications of zinc powders is in chemical processing, where zinc can be used to purify solutions through a process known as cementation or to achieve chemical reductions. Specialised zinc powders are also used in alkaline batteries, paints, greases and lubricants, brake linings and plastics. They can also play a role in the recovery of noble metals, adding value to processes where recovering and reusing valuable materials is economically important.
This versatility is particularly relevant to Africa, where mining, mineral processing, manufacturing and infrastructure remain important components of many national economies. For example, zinc powders can also be used in corrosion protection technology such as zinc rich paints. Zinc powder is also used in mechanical plating and sherardising, while zinc-rich paints use high concentrations of zinc powder and flakes to provide both barrier and cathodic protection to steel.
“Across Africa, the long-term performance of industrial and infrastructure assets matters enormously,” highlights Norton. “Whether the application involves mining, manufacturing, transport or infrastructure, technologies that improve the durability and service life of steel equipment and structures can contribute to lower maintenance requirements and better lifecycle performance.”
This is especially significant in demanding environments, from corrosive coastal conditions to industrial and mining sites. Zinc coatings are used to protect steel in applications including deep mining, coastal structures, reinforced concrete and exposed steel infrastructure.
From industry to everyday products
The applications of zinc powders extend well beyond heavy industry. Specialised grades can contribute to the performance of everyday products, including batteries, lubricants, plastics and paints. Within the total global volume of zinc dust and powders produced, consumption is across three main sectors:
- Protective Coatings (~60% – 65%): Zinc-rich silicate and epoxy primers for marine, offshore, and structural steel corrosion protection.
- Chemical Processing & Hydrometallurgy (~20% – 25%): Precipitation and cementation agents in precious metal extraction (such as gold & silver recovery) and purification of zinc sulphate leach liquors.
- Energy Storage & Materials (~10% – 15%): Anode materials in primary alkaline and zinc-air batteries, thermal diffusion coating, known as sherardising, and in friction materials such as brake linings.
Zinc also has some more unexpected applications. Zinc dust, for example, can be used in fireworks, where finely divided zinc particles become incandescent and produce their characteristic bright, shimmering effect. More importantly, zinc powders illustrate a broader point about the zinc value chain.
The metal does not simply disappear into a finished product. It can be processed into different forms, each with properties suited to a specific industrial requirement. For Africa, developing greater awareness of these applications can help highlight opportunities beyond conventional zinc markets.
“Understanding zinc as more than a commodity metal opens a much broader conversation about value addition and industrial development. The opportunities are not limited to mining zinc but extend to the technologies, products and processes that depend on its unique properties,” adds Norton.
As African economies endeavour to invest in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and resource development, these less familiar forms of zinc are likely to remain important contributors to industrial performance. Small in particle size, zinc powders and dusts nevertheless have a significant role to play in the continent’s industrial economy.
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
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About the International Zinc Association
The IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. Operating internationally and locally through its regional affiliates, the IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and zinc as being essential in human health and crop nutrition. IZA’s main programmes are Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and Communications.
In South Africa, the IZA plays a vital role in establishing the basis for the successful revitalisation of the zinc industry by increasing awareness of zinc and its applications and benefits in key sectors and markets, which will ultimately translate into the increased uptake of zinc.
International Zinc Association Contact
Simon Norton
Executive Director
IZA Africa
Phone: (021) 788 9980
Cell: 082 831 2924
Email: zinc@iafrica.com
Web: www.zinc.org
Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe
Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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