Zinc
Projects
Major Zinc Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Zinc projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. These projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this base metal.
Current Production
13 million
tonnes
Top Producer
China
33% share
Projects Tracked
0
Reserves
250 million tonnes
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Zinc, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Zinc projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Zinc project landscape:
Closure of major zinc mines (Century in Australia, Lisheen in Ireland) tightened supply and supported prices above $2,000/tonne
European zinc smelters curtailed production due to record energy prices following Russia-Ukraine conflict; Nyrstar and others reduced output by 50%+
Zinc prices remained supported as European smelter production slowly recovered; treatment charges (paid by miners to smelters) hit record lows indicating concentrate surplus but smelter capacity shortage
More on Zinc
Explore other aspects of the Zinc value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Zinc.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Zinc.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Zinc.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Zinc.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Zinc.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Zinc.
Return to the Zinc hub page or browse the full Mineral Library.