Sphalerite (Zinc Ore)

Sphalerite (Zinc Ore) from Pakistan

Sphalerite is a zinc sulphide mineral (ZnS) containing 67% zinc in its pure form. It is the world’s principal ore of zinc, the fourth most consumed industrial metal after iron, aluminium, and copper. Sphalerite occurs in hydrothermal vein deposits and sedimentary-hosted massive sulphide (SHMS) deposits, typically alongside galena (PbS), pyrite (FeS₂), and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). Pakistan’s lead-zinc mineralizing belt spans parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the northern regions, producing sphalerite with commercially viable zinc content and associated metal values.

Available Forms

• Hand-sorted lumps: 20-150 mm (50-60% Zn)

• Run-of-mine (ROM) lumps: 10-200 mm (40-50% Zn)

• Crushed ore: 0-50 mm, 0-25 mm

• Flotation concentrate: 50-60% Zn

• Custom sizing available

Industrial Uses

• Zinc smelting: Sphalerite is roasted to convert ZnS to ZnO, which is then reduced to zinc metal either by electrolysis (electrolytic process, producing SHG zinc 99.995%) or by carbothermic reduction in a retort or Imperial Smelting Furnace (ISF). Zinc smelting is the largest consumer of sphalerite globally

• Galvanizing: Over 50% of all refined zinc is used for galvanizing steel and iron to protect against corrosion. Hot-dip galvanizing, electrogalvanizing, and continuous galvanizing lines consume millions of tonnes of zinc annually

• Zinc alloys and die casting: Zinc alloys (Zamak, ZA series) are widely used in die casting for automotive parts, hardware, electrical components, and consumer products. Zinc’s low melting point, excellent fluidity, and dimensional stability make it ideal for high-volume die casting

• Brass and bronze production: Zinc is alloyed with copper to produce brass (Cu-Zn alloys) used in plumbing fittings, valves, musical instruments, decorative hardware, and ammunition casings

• Zinc oxide production: ZnO is manufactured from zinc metal or directly from zinc ore concentrates for use in rubber vulcanization, ceramics, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and electronics (varistors, piezoelectrics)

• Zinc chemicals: Refined zinc is converted into zinc sulphate, zinc chloride, zinc stearate, zinc phosphate, and other compounds for agriculture, water treatment, surface coatings, and industrial chemistry

• Battery manufacturing: Zinc is used as the anode material in alkaline batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, and emerging zinc-air and zinc-ion battery technologies for grid-scale energy storage

• Zinc dust and powder: Fine zinc dust is used in anti-corrosion primers (zinc-rich paints), chemical precipitation, hydrometallurgy, and pyrotechnics

Quality Assurance

Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis reporting Zn, Pb, Fe, S, SiO₂, Cu, Cd, As, Mn, Ag, In, Ge, moisture, and size distribution. Assays are performed by accredited laboratories using ICP-OES, AAS, or XRF methods. Pre-shipment samples are provided for buyer approval. Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, Alex Stewart, or equivalent) can be arranged. Umpire assay provisions are available for large contracts.