Products
60 tonne dump truck unloading ore
Cannington is the world’s single largest mine producer of silver and lead. The mine is producing over 31 million ounces of silver contained in concentrates. In the 2006/2007 Financial Year, the mine produced over 334,000 tonnes lead concentrate and 122,000 tonnes zinc concentrate.
The lead concentrate contains 70 per cent lead and over three kilograms of silver. It is recognised as a clean concentrate with low levels of impurities. The zinc concentrate contains 50 per cent zinc and 250 grams of silver.
Cannington has long-term smelter contracts with Zinifex-Nyrstar and MIM in Australia, Korea Zinc in Korea, Boliden in Sweden, Toho Zinc and MS Zinc in Japan and Torch Metal, Yuguang and Shuikoshan in China.
Lead Concentrate
Principal uses of lead include storage batteries, alloys (especially pewter, solder, bronze and bearing metal), ammunition, pigments for glass.
Other uses include plumbing and roofing, and in the production of leaded steels, in which the presence of a small quantity of lead brings about a marked improvement in the machining properties.
Zinc Concentrate
Principal uses include the galvanising of steel, and as a component in brass and diecasting alloys. Compounds and dusts are important in the chemical industry, in agriculture and in the manufacture of rubber and paint.
Zinc sheet has specialised plumbing applications, while the alloys german silver (an imitation silver, used in electrical applications) and delta metal (a high tensile brass, containing iron) are also important applications).
Silver Concentrate
Principal uses include photography, electronic and electrical components, mirrors, electroplate, batteries, medicine and glassmaking. Significant quantities are still consumed in coinage, plate and jewellery.
