Keywords
Citation
(2002), "IZA applauds zinc industry commitment to develop markets in Southern Africa", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849aab.012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
IZA applauds zinc industry commitment to develop markets in Southern Africa
Keywords: Zinc, South Africa, Industry
South African zinc producer, Zincor (Kumba Resources, formerly known as Iscor Mining) has initiated and, together with Anglo American plc, launched an exciting new market development initiative that will target growth in zinc use within Southern Africa.
The initiative has been developed with the full support of the International Zinc Association (IZA), the Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa and the zinc- using industry.
These organisations set out their plans at a workshop recently held in Springs, South Africa.
"There is significant growth potential in Southern Africa. Intensity of zinc use in the region is estimated to be some 40 per cent below that of North America and Europe - we are committed to unlock the value of zinc for zinc producers and users" observed Ernst Venter, general manager-base metals, Kumba Resources - during the workshop to launch the initiative. The workshop agreed to focus attention on prospects for increased use of zinc coated steels, but regional opportunities have also been highlighted in other zinc applications such as die casting alloys and zinc oxide.
Specific objectives, to be pursued with IZA support, will be to:
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Promote the image of zinc
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Understand and influence engineering specifications to favour zinc use
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Create a database of zinc uses, users and other information
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Act as an information center on zinc and provide technical support
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Help small zinc businesses to grow
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Extend activities to all sub-Saharan Africa
The participation of Iscor - the South African steel producer - will it is believed, ensure the co-operation of the steel industry in initiatives towards galvanized steel applications.
The initiative will result in the formation of IZA-Southern Africa - further extending the global network of IZA regional associations that benefit from IZA's support in market development and other functions. IZA will provide both funding and practical support for the initiative. "IZA welcomes the opportunity for wider participation in its market development programs and this valuable extension to the world-wide zinc market development alliance and the associated zinc network", said Dr Edouard Gervais, executive director of IZA in his address to the Workshop.