Mining & Processing

How Zinc Is Mined and Processed

Zinc (Zn) is a base metal with global annual production of approximately 13 million tonnes, primarily from China and Peru. Typical ore grades range from 3-15% Zn.

Mining Methods

Zinc is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Open-pit mining
• Underground mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Zinc include:

• Sphalerite - ZnS
• Smithsonite - ZnCO3
• Hemimorphite

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Zinc ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Flotation concentration
2. Roasting and electrolytic refining (RLE process)
3. Imperial Smelting Process (ISP)

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Zinc must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 33% of global production is concentrated.