Lead and Zinc in Thailand

摘要

The demand for zinc in Thailand has gradually increased by 10% annually during the past five years (1991-1995). The zinc consumption in 1995 totalled 111,682 tons which were mainly consumed in galvanized steel, brass, zinc oxide, battery and die casting. Presently, Thailand has only one zinc refinery plant namely Padaeng Industry Public Company Limited with production capacity of 70,000 tons per annum. After its ten year operation, the rich of silicate ore deposits have been depleted, it is then reliable on import sulphide concentrates. To treat the sulphide concentrates, the Company established a roasting plant with total capacity of 150,000 tons annually in Rayong Province and commenced its operation in May 1995. The roasted product will then be treated at the refinery in Tak Province, The Company plans to boost its annual capacity to 100,000 tons in the near future. The Company bought a 20% stake in the Western Metals Co.,Ltd., an Australian zinc and lead producer to secure its raw material supply. The demand for lead has also increased gradually in line with zinc. In 1995, the lead consumption totalled 62,644 tons. So far, Thailand has produced both primary and secondary lead. It has been mainly consumed in battery and solder industries. The country is still reliable on import lead since its production is only 30% of the total consumption. Only one primary lead and few secondary lead plants are operated with total production capacity of 24,300 tons per annum.