Stockpile Situation in Relation to Different Types of Ore Deposits

World reserves are reported to be sufficient to meet anticipated demand for the next decade. Canada has greater approved resources of indium than any other country. It hosts about 27% of the world reserves and 35% of the world reserve base. Reserves were estimated at 600 tons in 1994 and 700 tons in 2000. Its current reserve base is 2,000 tons of indium. Canada has become one of the world’s largest indium producing country. Most indium is recovered from lead-zinc-silver and zinc-copper ores of sediment-and volcanic-hosted exhalative origin. Corresponding amounts for the United States are 12% (300 tons) and 11% (600 tons), respectively (Brown 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001). Second largest indium reserves are located in China which accounts for current reserves of 400 tons (15%) and a reserve base of 1,000 tons (18%). Largest reserves may be expected in the base metal-rich deposits of the Dachang district.