Mining & Processing

How Indium Is Mined and Processed

Indium (In) is a technology metal with global annual production of approximately 900 tonnes, primarily from China and South Korea. Typical ore grades range from Byproduct - 10-100 ppm in zinc ore.

Mining Methods

Indium is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Byproduct of zinc refining
• Recycling of ITO sputtering targets

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Indium include:

• Sphalerite - zinc sulfide containing indium

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Indium ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Leaching from zinc refinery residues
2. Cementation and electrolytic refining
3. Zone refining for high purity

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Indium must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 57% of global production is concentrated.