Zirconium and Hafnium Reserves by Country
China reported 500 metric tons from 2018 through 2022, then 72 for two years, then 500 again in 2025. The dataset draws on the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026. The reserve figures are for zirconium, reported as ZrO₂ content; USGS does not publish quantitative hafnium reserve estimates. The ranking spans 10 countries (9 with reported 2025 values) and 71,790 metric tons in listed 2025 reserves. USGS also reports 5,700 metric tons under “Other countries,” but does not assign that amount to individual countries.
Australia (55,000 metric tons) leads South Africa (5,900) by more than nine to one. Indonesia entered at 3,400 in 2025, followed by Senegal (2,600), Madagascar (2,100) and Mozambique (1,500). USGS puts the world total above 70,000 metric tons. China's 428 rebound (+594.4%) returned its estimate to the 500 metric tons reported through 2022. China held 500 metric tons from 2018 through 2022, dropped to 72 for 2023-2024, and returned to 500 in 2025 (+594.4%). The 428-ton rebound is small beside Australia, yet it is the largest percentage move in the table that year because it started from a low base. Kenya reported 3,600 metric tons in 2018, followed by 120, 5 and 50 in the next three years. It had no reported value in 2022, then returned with 18 in 2023 and 5 in 2024 before going unreported again in 2025. The series fell from thousands of metric tons to single digits, ending with no reported 2025 value. Australia climbed from 42,000 metric tons in 2018 to 55,000 in 2023 and has held that figure since. South Africa eased from 14,000 to 5,300 before edging to 5,900 (+11.3%) in 2025. Indonesia's debut 3,400 slots directly into third, while the United States has reported 500 metric tons throughout the eight-year series, tying China at that level in 2025. Figures come from the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026, with 2025 values estimated. Units are metric tons of ZrO₂ content, as reported by USGS. Empty means the source reported no value; 0 means the source reports zero. The source’s world total, where published, may be rounded, approximate, a lower bound, or a textual estimate, so shares are computed against the sum of the listed countries. Reserves and production are different measures and should not be combined without equalizing units.
Zirconium and Hafnium Reserves by Country
Year
1
55,000
2025
2
5,900
2025
3
3,400
2025
4
2,600
2025
5
2,100
2025
6
1500
2025
7
500
2025
8
500
2025
9
290
2025
10
5
2024
China's round trip
Kenya's fade
A steady top, a new third
Zirconium and Hafnium Reserves by Country
#
1
42,000
42,000
43,000
50,000
48,000
55,000
55,000
55,000
2
14,000
6,500
6,700
5,900
5,900
5,600
5,300
5,900
3
3,600
120
5
50
-
18
5
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,400
5
-
-
-
-
2,600
2,600
2,600
2,600
6
-
-
-
-
-
2,300
2,100
2,100
7
1800
1800
1800
1800
1800
1500
1500
1500
8
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
9
500
500
500
500
500
72
72
500
10
-
-
-
-
-
290
290
290
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
What are zirconium reserves?
Zirconium reserves are estimated quantities of zirconium that can be economically extracted under applicable conditions, in metric tons. Production measures the amount mined in a year.
Which countries hold the most zirconium reserves?
Australia (55,000 metric tons) and South Africa (5,900) reported the largest 2025 values, followed by Indonesia (3,400).
How much did China's reserve estimate increase in 2025?
China's reported estimate rose from 72 to 500 metric tons, an increase of 428 metric tons or 594.4%.
Does the dataset include hafnium reserves?
No. USGS publishes quantitative reserve estimates for zirconium, reported as ZrO₂ content, but says quantitative hafnium reserve estimates are not available.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 15.09.2026https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/mineral-commodity-summaries
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