Author: Paul Ploumis
30 Mar 2015 Last updated at 06:18:41 GMT

ABU DHABI (Scrap Monster): The recently concluded 7th International Zinc Conference at Dubai, UAE highlighted the growing significance of zinc recycling. The two-day event was held in Le Meridien Hotel on March 23rd and 24th. The conference was co-hosted by UK-based Metal Events Limited and Brussels-based International Zinc Association (IZA).

Speaking at the conference, Salam Al Sharif, chairman of the United Arab Emirates-based Sharif Group highlighted on the increasing role of zinc recycling in the industry. In his presentation titled “Recycled zinc: A possible substitute for pure refined zinc?”, Sharif highlighted several new zinc related projects that are being developed in the Middle East region. According to him, over the past year, the Middle East region has seen rapid rise in zinc processing facilities.

According to Sharif, zinc prices have not soared during recent times. However, there are signs of improvement. A considerable amount of zinc consumed is now being produced from secondary sources and end-of-life products. The continuous rise in zinc recycling has resulted in better levels of environmental protection through controlled reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, he noted.

The event was attended by senior executives representing the world’s major metals industry companies in the world. The topics of discussion included zinc outlook to 2016, Chinese zinc demand, focus on consumption markets and the future demand for galvanizing.

Founded in 1963, Sharif Metals is a family owned company that is engaged in procurement, processing and recycling of non-ferrous metals through their fully equipped yards in the Middle East and North African region.