ZIRCONIUM INDUSTRY UPDATE FEBRUARY 2013
After nearly 3 months of price reductions zircon sand prices have stabilised at USD 1300/mt FOB Australia. Most stockpiles of sand have now been cleared and there is general confidence in the market that prices will now remain steady for the rest of Q1 2013.
ZIRCONIUM INDUSTRY UPDATE NOVEMBER 2012
Supply issues for zircon sand have eased considerably over Q3 2012 due to reduced demand in key markets.
ZIRCONIUM INDUSTRY UPDATE APRIL 2012
The price of zircon sand has remained steady over Q1 2012 with average prices at USD 2600/mt. Demand for Australian sand has been more sluggish due to a premium of USD 200-300 over alternative origin material.
DECEMBER 2011: ABSCO MATERIALS OPENS USA WAREHOUSE FACILITY.
ABSCO Materials has opened a warehouse in Vermont, USA, to better service the US market. ABSCO strives to offer a tailored supply chain service to all its existing and potential customers. The warehouse currently stocks the company's main zirconium product range:
For further information or enquiries please contact us:
zirconia@abscomaterials.com or tel: +44 (0) 1440 709709
ZIRCONIUM CHEMICAL PRODUCERS SQUEEZED AS ZIRCON PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE BUT ZIRCONIUM PRODUCT PRICES STABILISE DUE TO A SLOWDOWN IN DEMAND.
December 2011
Chinese zirconium chemical producers are having their margins squeezed as the price of zircon sand continues to be increased on a quarterly basis while the value of many zirconium chemicals is flat or slightly down due to a drop off in demand.
THE PRICE OF ZIRCONIUM OXIDE AND ZIRCONIUM CHEMICALS CONTINUES TO RISE ON THE BACK OF TIGHT RAW MATERIAL SUPPLIES.
June 2011
Iluka Resources, the world's largest producer of zircon sand, has increased their Q3 price to USD 2250/mt, an increase of 150% in the last 12 months. With supply remaining tight, and Iluka's continuing with their quarterly price increases, there will be upward pressure on the price of all zirconium oxides and zirconium chemicals throughout this year.
MARCH 2011: AUSTRALIAN ZIRCON SAND PRICE STARTING AT USD 1800/mt CIF CHINA PORT FOR Q2 2011 CONTRACTS, however substantial premiums being paid by smaller companies.
The tightness in the zircon market continues as demand from China reaches levels higher than before the financial crisis in 2007, with demand also healthy in Europe and the USA. Read more
ILUKA RESOURCES ANNOUNCES A THREE-FOLD INCREASE IN EARNINGS FOR ITS MINERAL SANDS DIVISION DURING 2010 COMPARED WITH 2009 - February 2011
This has been attributed to increased sales volumes, higher prices for Rutile and Zircon and greater contributions from new, higher margin operations which were commissioned in 2010.Read more
ZIRCON SAND PRICE CONTINUES TO RISE - NOV 2010
A number of major zirconium chemical and zirconium oxide producers in China are reporting that zircon sand prices could reach $1500/mt CIF China port by the end of January 2011. Read more.
ZIRCON SAND PRICE INCREASES ON THE BACK OF TIGHT SUPPLY
The price of premium grade zircon sand (66% ZrO2) has increased from $900/mt to $1200/mt during Q3 2010 due to tight supply. Demand from consumers has increased and there has been reduced output from most of the main suppliers during the 2nd half of 2010. Read more.
2010 - THE RARE EARTHS "CRISIS?"
Click here to understand the current situation in the rare earths market.
CLP, THE NEW EUROPEAN REGULATION ON THE CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING AND PACKAGING OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND MIXTURES is being introduced on the 1st December 2010
It introduces in the EU new criteria for classification and labelling based on hte United Nations' Globally Harmonised System (UN GHS). It provides rules for the notification of substances to the Classification and Labelling Inventory established and maintained by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Read more.
REACH - THE FIRST REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR PHASE-IN SUBSTANCES APPROACHES - October 2010
REACH (Regulation, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) legislation came into force in June 2007 and the pre-registration of all substances had to be completed by the 1st December 2008. The first Registration deadline for phase in substances of >1000 mts is the 30th November 2010.
ABSCO Materials completed pre-registration of all its materials by 1st December 2008 and will be registering key materials by the 1st June 2013, the second Registration deadline for phase in substances of 100-1000 mts.
For further information please contact us on: reach@abscomaterials.com or telephone +44 1440 709709 
MINOR METALS TRADE ASSOCIATION
ABSCO Materials has been a member of the MMTA since 2007 and has been involved in the introduction of rare earths to the list of metals promoted by the association. The rare earths, or lanthanides, are essential elements in the manufacture and development of a wide range of technologies. Including rare earths in the interests of the association ensures monitoring of relevant international trade regulations, lobbying and the promotion of their applications. 
CAMBRIDGE NETWORK
ABSCO Materials is a member of the Cambridge Network, which links business and academia to each other and to the global high technology community for the benefit of the Cambridge region. ABSCO, through a partnership with Cerac Inc, is able to offer over 2000 inorganic chemicals for research and development purposes supporting early stage product development within the region and throughout Europe. 
THE REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) REGULATION came into force on 1 June 2007. It's important that all manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals are prepared and fully aware of the impact this new legislation has on their business. ABSCO Materials has completed the pre-registration of all its products through the ECHA portal and will be actively involved in the "phase-in" registrations over the coming years. Any customers who would like further details, including pre-registration numbers, should contact us on reach@abscomaterials.com
ABSCO is a member of REACHReady, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chemical Industries Association.
For further information on REACH, click here to visit the REACHReady website:
