Table 27.-U.S. exports of anthracite by country and customs district NOTE: According to the Association of American Railroads, 904,948 short tons of anthracite was exported to Europe during 1971, compared with 976,501 tons for 1970. Of this total 748,996 tons was consigned to West Germany and the Netherlands, including exports to the U.S. Military forces. This compares with 685,599 tons for 1970. 1 An undetermined amount of semianthracite is included in figures for some countries. ? In addition to the countries listed, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, and South Vietnam produce anthracite; in Canada, output is of the order of 200,000 tons annually; in Colombia output may total 100,000 tons annually, while in New Zealand and South Vietnam output is insignificant. Cobalt By John D. Corrick 1 In 1971, cobalt demand continued a dedine that began in 1970 and reflected a general slowdown in the Nation's economy. Consumption of cobalt in the United States in 1971 was 6.5 percent below that of the previous year, which in turn had fallen 14 percent below the record consumption in 1969. Consumer stocks during 1971 reached their lowest point in over 5 years, and imports decreased 12.1 percent when compared with 1970. Government sales of cobalt from the strategic stockpile continued to decline since only 901,699 pounds had been sold at yearend, compared with 2,484,730 pounds sold during 1970. Legislation and Government Programs. -The General Services Administration (GSA) continued to offer cobalt metal for sale in various forms at a rate of approximately 2 million pounds per month on a competitive-bid basis. Sales to individual purchasers was limited to 500,000 pounds per month; total sales for the year were 901,699 pounds of cobalt metal. As of December 31, 1971, total U.S. Government stockpile inventory was 77,443,583 pounds of cobalt. Of this quantity, 71,811,518 pounds was stockpile grade. 1 Physical scientist, Division of Ferrous Metals. CONSUMPTION AND USES Consumption of cobalt in the United States in 1971 continued a decline that began in 1970. Reduced economic activity around the world, particularly reduced demand for superalloys and aerospace materials was the principal cause of reduced cobalt consumption. Major uses of cobalt in 1971 were as shown in table 4, in magnetic alloys, superalloys, salts and driers, and cutting and wear-resistant materials. Data reported by consumers showed that 72 percent of the cobalt consumed in the U.S. during 1971 was in the form of metal, the remaining percentage was comprised of cobalt oxide, purchased scrap, and salts and driers. Total U.S. cobalt consumption was 12.5 million pounds in 1971. Commercial production of high-strength cobalt-samarium permanent magnets (Gecor) was announced by the General Electric Co. late in 1971. Laboratory sam Table 3.-Cobalt products 1 produced and shipped by refiners and processors in the 1 Figures on metal withheld to avoid disclosing individual company confidential data. 2 Combined to avoid disclosing individual company confidential data. Table 4.-Cobalt consumed in the United States, by end use Salts and driers: Lacquers, varnishes, paints, inks, pigments, enamels, glazes, feed, electroplating, etc... 470 W 146 474 137 60 102 1,532 9,756 ⚫ 2,744 Grand total 2 12,500 • Estimate. W Withheld to avoid disclosing individual company confidential data; included in "Miscellaneous and unspecified." 1 Includes cemented and sintered carbides and cast carbide dies or parts. 2 Data may not add to totals shown because of independent rounding. |