A metallic chemical element, similar to magnesium, with the largest deposits found in Australia, Canada, and the United States.  Zinc is the fourth most common metal in use, trailing only iron, aluminum, and copper (2006 figures) according to the USGS Minerals Yearbook Geological Survey.

Uses:

• Construction material
• Anti-corrosion coatings on steel (galvanization)
• Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
• Brass
• Batteries (both primary and rechargeable)
• Compounds
• Zinc chloride used to make chemicals
• Zinc chloride is often added to lumber as a fire retardant and can be used as a wood preservative.

Pricing: US$0.88/lb  (as at July 27, 2010)

Additional Information:

• International Zinc Association (http://www.zinc.org)
• Natural Resources - Commodity Reviews (http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/busi-indu/cmy-amc/com-eng.htm)
• USGS 2006 Minerals Yearbook Geological Survey (http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/myb1-2006-zinc.pdf)