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The primary zinc metal production in India has been 2,54,554 tonnes in the financial year 2003-04 as against 2,35,525 tonnes in the previous year. Secondary zinc production during the year has been about 65,000 tonnes. The primary lead production during this period has been 33,704 tonnes and secondary lead production from the organized sector about 40,000 tonnes.
Steel galvanizing continued to occupy the prime place in the market for the zinc industry and accounted for almost 75 per cent of total zinc usage. Zinc consumption in the country reached 3,58,000 tonnes in the year 2003-04 from 3,00,000 tonnes in the year 2002-03. Strong demand from the galvanizing, die casting, battery and chemical industries has helped the demand for zinc to grow at a faster rate. It is estimated that the demand will reach 4,00,000 tonnes in the year 2004-05.
Automotive industry was the driving force for the lead-acid batteries demand in India, which accounted for 75 per cent market share followed by other end-use sectors. Lead consumption in the country is estimated at 1,40,000 tonnes. The demand for lead is expected to grow further in near future due to increased demand from the automobile sector and invertors.
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