Zinc Ore and Its Strategic Importance in Global Industry Zinc may not be as famous as iron, aluminum, or copper, but it plays an equally important role in modern industries. Zinc ore, which is mined in various mineral forms, is a fundamental raw material for sectors ranging from construction to electronics, from automotive to chemicals. In particular, the high-grade zinc ore extracted from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco – with a zinc content between 20% and 38% – is a reliable supply source for industrial demand in Spain, Bulgaria, Iran, and China. General Overview of Zinc Element Symbol: Zn Atomic Number: 30 Appearance: Bluish-grey, brittle but shiny Melting Point: 420 °C Density: 7.14 g/cm³ Zinc is a transition metal in the periodic table. Its electrochemical potential is more negative than iron, which makes it an ideal choice for cathodic corrosion protection. This is the reason zinc is indispensable in galvanizing, where steel and iron are coated to prevent rust. Mining and Processing of Zinc Ore Zinc is not found in nature as a pure metal; it is extracted from minerals, mainly sphalerite (ZnS), which contains 40–50% zinc. Other important minerals include smithsonite (ZnCO₃), hemimorphite (Zn₂SiO₄·H₂O), and franklinite. Typical process: Extraction: Open-pit or underground mining. Flotation: Concentration of minerals to produce zinc-rich ore. Roasting: Zinc sulfide is converted into zinc oxide. Leaching: Zinc oxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid. Purification & Electrowinning: Impurities are removed, pure zinc is recovered by electrolysis. Casting: Zinc cathodes are turned into ingots or alloys. Industrial Applications of Zinc Ore Construction & Steel Industry: Galvanizing steel structures, bridges, pipes. Automotive: Body panels, engine parts, zamak die-cast alloys. Electronics & Energy: Batteries, dry cells, fluorescent lamps, TV screens. Chemicals & Pharma: Zinc oxide (ZnO) used in paints, plastics, cosmetics, medicines. Coinage: Zinc is widely used in coin production. Agriculture: Zinc sulfate is applied as a micronutrient fertilizer. Regional Market Significance Spain: High demand in automotive and construction sectors. Bulgaria: A strategic gateway for alloy and foundry industries in Europe. Iran: Rapidly developing galvanizing and steel mills. China: The world’s largest zinc consumer, especially for batteries and electronics. Common search keywords: zinc ore price, zinc concentrate, Moroccan zinc ore, zinc ore supplier China, zinc import Spain. Pricing Mechanism Prices are based on London Metal Exchange (LME) closing zinc rates. Formula: Price = (Zn grade % × Factor % × LME price) + 35 USD Example: LME Zinc = 2,850 USD Zn Grade = 34.75% Factor = 52% Constant = 35 USD = 549.99 USD/ton FOB Casablanca Why Atlas Mountains Zinc Ore? High grade (20–38% Zn) Low moisture (~2–3%) Consistent and reliable production Export-ready packaging in BigBags (1–1.5 tons) FOB Casablanca shipping advantage Close to Europe and Asia markets Conclusion Zinc ore is not just a raw material; it is a cornerstone of modern economies. The high-quality ore mined in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains supports industries from Spain to China, making it one of the most sought-after mineral resources in today’s global supply chain.