The growth of the Zirconium market

Zirconium doesn’t get a lot of popular press, but industry figures show increasing demand — meaning we can be confident of ZrCoin’s success.

As commodities go, zirconium doesn’t get the attention that precious metals do, or even other materials like copper and steel. But the reality is that it is an important component of a number of industrial applications — and analysts recognise the growth in demand that will occur in the coming years as a result. One of the key materials in which it is found is Zirconium dioxide, or ZrO2.

Zirconium dioxide’s utility comes from the fact that it doesn’t do very much at all. Whilst some materials are exceptionally good at conducting heat and electricity, or are malleable and ductile, zirconium is remarkably inert and robust. It shows exceptional resistance against high temperatures and pressures, and remains robust where other materials would expand, distort, melt or degrade. This makes it ideal as a refractory material in foundries, and in other applications where durability and heat-resistance is critical.

Industry growth

Recent figures suggest that demand for zirconium will grow steadily over the coming years. The market for zirconium from 2016–2020 is expected to increase at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of just under 7%.

One of the key drivers for this trend will be demand from the nuclear industry. However, there are many sectors that use zirconium, and particularly ZrO2, with numerous additional emerging applications. The ceramics industry will place growing demand on the market, and in terms of regions, China is a fast-growing user of the material.

‘Green zirconium’

Zirconium dioxide in a form that is useful to industry is typically extracted from ores that have to be mined from the earth, processed and transported to the required location. This has a high environmental impact.

The ZrCoin team has pioneered new technologies that allow ZrO2 to be recovered from industrial wastes — specifically, firebricks and other zirconium-containing products that have reached the end of their useful lifespan. Due to the nature of the process, the resulting ‘synthetic zirconium’ is not only more environmentally friendly, but is more cost-effective and of higher quality.

Due to the superior cost and quality of synthetic ZrO2, in the context of growing global demand, we can be confident that our product will have an active market and willing buyers — as our initial discussions with industry leaders has already established.

Crowdsale

ZrCoin will be holding a crowdsale from 25 April to 24 May 2017. The project aims to raise between $3.5 and $7 million to build one or two plants for the production of green zirconium. Investors will be able to purchase blockchain-based options for ZrO2, at a discount to the market price of the commodity. Monthly buybacks at increasing prices will enable holders of ZrCoin to achieve ROI.

For more information or to register for updates, visit www.ZrCoin.io.