Concern over decline in galvanised steel uptake

The steady decline in the uptake of galvanised steel in South Africa is directly related to the drop-off in manufacturing activity and the dwindling number of construction and civil engineering projects under way, notes association body International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa Desk coordinator Simon Norton, expressing “serious concern” at the current state of affairs. Contextualising the situation, he notes that South Africa produced 110 000 t of refined zinc in 2001, in addition to importing 19 000 t for local consumption. “The bulk of this refined zinc would have been used to protect steel for construction, rail and mining projects,” Norton points out.