Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Zinc

Zinc (Zn) is a medium-criticality base metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Zinc is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Zinc span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Galvanizing steel and iron — Zinc plays a vital role in galvanizing steel and iron, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Die casting alloys — Zinc plays a vital role in die casting alloys, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Brass production — Zinc plays a vital role in brass production, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Zinc oxide in rubber and ceramics — Zinc plays a vital role in zinc oxide in rubber and ceramics, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Batteries and electronics — Zinc plays a vital role in batteries and electronics, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Zinc is galvanizing steel and iron, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is die casting alloys, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Zinc in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of medium and a supply risk rating of low, the demand trajectory for Zinc is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.