China to Expand Sponge Titanium Output to 100,000 tonnes in 2010

Northwest Institute for Non-ferrous Metal Research of China said on Monday at World Conference on Titanium in Kyoto Chinese sponge titanium output capacity will reach annual 100,000 tonnes in 2010 compared with 40,000 tonnes in 2006. The institute said the Chinese titanium industry could grow through 2010. The country could increase the output to 150,000 tonnes in future by adding new producers. The sponge titanium output increased by annual 52% from 2001 to 2006. The output expanded to 19,700 tonnes in 2006 due to rapid growing market worldwide from 4,800 tonnes in 2004. The rolled products output also increased by annual 40%. The expansion continues in 2007. The institute reported Chinese sponge titanium output reached 9,000 tonnes in January-March. The largest maker, Zunyi Titanium produced 3,500 tonnes and Fushun Titanium produced more than 1,000 tonnes in the quarter. The operation rate represents annualized 36,000 tonnes in 2007. Chinese makers expand the output capacity to meet growing demand. Zunyi plans to expand the output capacity to 24,000 tonnes in future from 14,000 tonnes now. Fushun also plans to double the capacity from 5,000 tonnes in 2007. Aluminium Corporation of China also considers starting the business at 15,000-30,000 tonnes of capacity. The country could become world largest titanium producer in and after 2010.