Sulphuric acid

Zinc refining produces a number of by-products that can be marketed or further processed. One of the most important is sulphuric acid. At current zinc production levels, CEZinc produces approximately 400,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid per year.

In Quebec, this product is mainly used by heavy industry, especially pulp and paper mills, which account for almost 40% of consumption. Other sectors include the manufacture of inorganic chemicals (34%), agricultural chemicals (14%) and the smelting and refining of non-ferrous metals (13%).

CEZinc's presence in Quebec is an advantage for industries that require sulphuric acid, as it allows them to obtain it quickly and at lower transport costs. Acid production therefore contributes to the survival or competitiveness of other industries that are important to Quebec's economic development.

CEZinc also contributes to the supply of the North American market, as more than half of its sulphuric acid production is ultimately exported outside Quebec.

NorFalco is one of the largest sulphuric acid distributors in North America. The company sells and distributes nearly 2 million tonnes of sulphuric acid annually, including 400,000 tonnes of CEZinc.