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Zircon and hafnium, Australia
Perth (Iluka Resources), Australia31.95°S 115.86°E
computed criticality10/100
reading
Australia ≈33% and South Africa ≈20% of world mined zircon production (USGS 2024)
2024Fault line
Zircon mining is led by Australia (≈33%) and South Africa (≈20%), with China the leading importer and processor; hafnium is a coproduct (about 50 to 1 ratio). Beyond ceramics and refractories, the real chokepoint is nuclear-grade zirconium (fuel cladding) and hafnium (control rods, superalloys), concentrated among a few converters.
Actors
Australia (Iluka Resources)
South Africa
Mozambique
Senegal
Sources