Test confirms zircon sand not corrosive
(Posted on 30/05/19)
Zircon sand is not corrosive to metals when tested in accordance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Interim Guidance for Conducting the Refined MHB (Materials Hazardous only in Bulk) Corrosivity (Cr) Test, the Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) has announced.
ZIA has published an Industry Position Paper outlining its findings following an independent test carried out by global consulting and advisory firm, DEKRA Insight (UK). The test, carried out over a 7-day period in February 2019, concluded that there was 0% mass loss on steel, with no observed surface pitting. Therefore, zircon sand is not a corrosive solid bulk material.
The IMO’s International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code requires material carried in bulk to be tested for corrosivity to metals. However, the specified UN C.1 test was developed for liquids and was not validated for solids. Refinements to this C.1 test and guidance that extends and details the testing method were developed following a research program carried out by a Global Industry Alliance. The IMO member states of Australia, Brazil, Canada and the USA proposed the amendments to the IMSBC Code.
To provide clarity in the short term, ZIA commissioned DEKRA Insight to test a sample of zircon sand that previously failed the UN C.1 test. Zircon sand from the same sample was re-tested at the same laboratory, using the test method in accordance with IMO’s Interim Guidance for Conducting the Refined MHB Corrosivity (Cr) Test. The results demonstrated that bulk zircon sand is not corrosive to metal.
Dr Keven Harlow, Executive Director, ZIA, said, “This test result shows conclusively that bulk zircon sand is not corrosive to metal. Our industry position paper including this test data can be used by our members and relevant authorities to ensure that zircon sand continues to be shipped safely and effectively across the globe.”
“Zircon is an essential material in our modern world, and is used in everything from ceramic tiles, to electronic equipment, nuclear reactors, medical implants and jet engines.”
A summary of the test results can be found in the Industry Position Paper and a full copy of the DEKRA Insight test report is available to ZIA members and relevant maritime authorities.
Latest News
Rio Tinto reaches four billion tonnes of iron ore shipped to China
(Posted on 22/07/24)Rio Tinto has celebrates the shipment of four billion tonnes of iron ore from the Pilbara in Western... Read more
Africa’s opportunity to build sustainable logistics networks across mining sector
(Posted on 18/07/24)Capt. Pappu Sastry, CEO of Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) has said that Africa’s mining sector... Read more
Conditions on Simandou iron ore investment now satisfied
(Posted on 16/07/24)All conditions have now been satisfied for Rio Tinto’s investment to develop the Simandou high... Read more
ADM offers segregated, traceable soybean meal to European customers
(Posted on 12/07/24)ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced that it is offering fully verified... Read more
Rio Tinto to install carbon free aluminium smelting cells
(Posted on 04/07/24)Rio Tinto will install carbon free aluminium smelting cells at its Arvida smelter in Québec,... Read more
Moonbound appoints ASL for long-term South African lithium logistics project
(Posted on 28/06/24)Moonbound Mining Ltd. has appointed Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) as its logistics contractor... Read more
ADM and Bayer collaboration help farmers achieve lower carbon emissions
(Posted on 19/06/24)ADM and Bayer have announced an extension of their collaboration, working with farmers in a bid... Read more
US House appropriations bill includes reinstatement of NASS reports
(Posted on 14/06/24)A House appropriations subcommittee in the USA has approved its Fiscal Year 2025 bill that includes... Read more
Rio Tinto to acquire Mitsubishi’s stake in Boyne aluminium smelter
(Posted on 14/06/24)Rio Tinto has agreed to acquire Mitsubishi Corporation’s 11.65% interest in Boyne Smelters Ltd... Read more
Richards Bay Minerals’ renewable energy agreement
(Posted on 07/06/24)Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has signed a renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with Khangela Emoyeni... Read more
