In some places, as a result of geological and chemical processes, zinc has been concentrated in particularly high levels. Ore can be extracted from areas where the zinc concentration exceeds 5%. Zinc mining resources are mainly located in North and South America, Australia, Asia and to a lesser extent, in Europe.
Mining resources are estimated at 220 * U.S Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2004.million tons of currently exploitable zinc ore reserves. Annual world consumption of zinc is at present 9.7 * U.S Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2004.million tons. Since recycling accounts for about 39 * UM data % of zinc consumption, zinc reserves are depleted at a yearly rate of 5.9 million tons. Increased recycling will compensate for future growth in consumption.
In fact, if potential ore reserves available in the future are added, total ore reserves are estimated at 1,900 million tons, an amount which would satisfy zinc needs for several centuries at the current annual extraction rate.
