John Champion, the brother of pioneering zinc…

John Champion, the brother of pioneering zinc producer Williiam Champion, develops a refined process and in 1758 patents the calcination of zinc sulfide (zinc blende) to oxide for use in the retort process.

The English zinc industry is concentrated in and around Bristol and Swansea.

Williiam Champion in 1761 seeks new partners for an expanded works, but by 1765 he is in financial difficulties.

He seeks a charter of incorporation, but this is refused. (Ultimately he will be declared bankrupt in 1768 and dismissed by the Warmley Company. The company will be forced to sell its works in 1769 to the old Bristol Brass Company, but the latter will never use the works to their full capacity.)