Unfamiliar Territory: Nyrstar Budel

For the the project Unfamiliar Territory I have visited a lot of companies. I also went to Nyrstar Budel, the only zinc producing company in The Netherlands.

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel Zink

Nyrstar is the only zinc producer in the Netherlands. It is a metallurgical-chemical production company that produces high quality zinc.

Zinc cathodes are melted in induction furnaces at a temperature of about 550 ° C. Hereafter blocks are made in different molding machines ranging from 8.5 to 4000 kg. The molten zinc can also be alloyed with other metals.

When casting and transporting the large blocks, much manpower is required day and night. It is admirable to see people working with raw materials that are so close to the source.

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Onbekend Terrein Nyrstar Budel

Unfamiliar territory is about living in a world where we are increasingly used to getting in touch with a final product. We are estranged from touching raw materials needed in the manufacture of a product.

My goal is to show in a series of images what kind of unknown environments produce these products and how much energy and manpower is needed for the production. As a spectator, one can become more aware by making the unknown acquaintance. This may make you more savvy, less reckless, less generalizing and can help you make more sustainable choices.

These images are just the beginning of a long journey to unknown workplaces. My thanks to all participating companies, which I was welcome to photograph, is very big. Thanks to them, I can introduce others to these unknown places and the work that takes place here.

Nyrstar, Budel – Dorplein, 12 juli 2017

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