ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM (Data in metric tons, unless noted)
Domestic Production and Use: Zircon sand was produced at two
mines in Florida. Zirconium and hafnium metal were produced from
zircon sand by two domestic producers, one in Oregon and another
in Utah. Both metals are present in the ore typically in a Zr to
Hf ratio of 50:1. Primary zirconium chemicals were produced by
the Oregon metal producer and at a plant in New Jersey.
Secondary zirconium chemicals were produced by about 10 other
companies as well. Zirconia (ZrO2) was produced from zircon sand
at plants in Alabama, New Hampshire, New York, and Ohio, and the
metal producer in Oregon. Zircon refractories and foundry
applications are the largest end uses for zirconium. Other end
uses of zirconium include abrasives, chemicals, metal alloys,
welding rod coatings, and sandblasting. The largest market for
hafnium metal is as an addition in superalloys. Salient
Statistics--United States: 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995e/
Production: Zircon (ZrO2 content)1/ 67,000