Issue link: http://resourceworld.uberflip.com/i/460990
44 www.resourceworld.com F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 5 MINING S ome may consider zinc to be a lowly base metal; however, it is one of the stars of the industrial metals. While the grey metal is perhaps best known for its extensive use as protection against corrosion in vehicles (~40 lbs/vehicle) and building materials, it has other important applica- tions as well. In a research report, Global Industry Analysts Inc. states that "The global mar- ket for zinc-air batteries is forecast to reach $400 million by 2017, driven by mounting demand from the largest end-use market of hearing aid devices." This is a consequence of the world's aging population. However, one of zinc's most important roles may be in correcting zinc deficiency in plants and humans. Zinc deficiency in soil leads to lower crop yields and even crop failure. This, in turn, leads to a zinc deficiency in humans that actually affects one-third of the world's population. The lack of zinc in food, a crucial element for humans, is responsible for contributing to the deaths of some 450,000 children every year. Soils lacking in zinc are known in many agricultural areas in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Mexico, the US and Australia. Classified as a micronutrient, small amounts of zinc can be added to fertilizers to correct the deficiency and increase crop yields up to 30%. As of early January 2015, zinc was sellng for about US $0.96/lb. A number of analysts are forecasting price rises this year. Wood Mackenzie has predicted US $1.29.lb for this year and US $1.56/lb for 2016 while Barclays predicts a price of US$1.27/lb this year. In a recent report Scotiabank economist, Patricia Mohr, said, "Zinc prices strength- ened in the second half of 2014, averaging US $1.03 per lb, with investors and com- modity funds expecting zinc concentrates to move into a supply side deficit by 2016 alongside significant depletion. Century, the world's third-biggest zinc mine, is expected to close in Q3 2015 and Lisheen in Eire by late 2015 or early 2016." Global zinc consumption is approxi- mately 10.7 million tonnes per year. Below are summaries of a number zinc projects. avrupa Minerals ltd. [AVU-TSXV; 8AM-FSE] is active in several areas in Portugal through partner-funded joint ventures with Antofagasta Minerals S.A. and Blackheath Resources, and an explo- ration alliance with Callinan Royalties. The Alvalade copper-zinc project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt is held as to Antofagasta 51% and Avrupa 49%. At the 100%- owned Marateca copper-zinc project 70 km southeast of Lisbon, Avrupa is seek- ing a JV partner. Avrupa is also exploring the Slivovo silver-lead-zinc property in Kosovo. canada Zinc Metals corp. [CZX-TSXV; A0RAQJ-FSE] is the major land holder in the prolific Kechika Trough mineral belt of northern British Columbia. The company's Cardiac Creek deposit on the 100%-owned Akie Project has NI 43-101 compliant indicated resources of 12.7 million tonnes grading 8.4% zinc, 1.7% lead and 13.7 g/t silver (at a 5% zinc cut-off ). Inferred resources are 16.3 million tonnes grading 7.4% zinc, 1.3% lead and 11.6 g/t silver (at a 5% zinc cut-off). Zinc's prospects looking good THE GREY METAL IS GRADUALLY MOVING TOwARD A SUPPLY SIDE DEFICIT by Ellsworth Dickson Foran Director Maurice Tagami, VP Exploration Roger March and VP Corporate Development Fiona Childe examine diamond drill core from the McIlvenna Bay deposit. Photo courtesy Foran Mining Corp.