WBMS: Global Zinc Market In 341,000-Ton Surplus In 2010

LONDON, Feb. 16 -- The global zinc market recorded a surplus of 341,000 metric tons in 2010, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

That compares with a 248,000-ton surplus in 2009, the WBMS said.

Zinc mine production totaled 11.99 million tons in 2010, up 5.8% from the year before. Refined production rose 11.5%, and consumption rose 10.9% from "the very low levels recorded at the beginning of last year," the WBMS said.

In December 2010 slab zinc production totaled 1.1 million tons and consumption was 1.078 million tons.