SMM 2017 Lead & Zinc Summit: Zinc Oxide Demand to Lack Ability to Grow in 2017

AXT and Lumentum signed a binding capacity reservation agreement for Indium Phosphide (InP) wafer substrates through December 31, 2031. AXT will reserve minimum annual product capacity and support additional capacity, while Lumentum will provide two $43.5 million deposits, totaling $87 million, to be applied as shipment credits. Lumentum is liable for annual purchase shortfalls, subject to specified exceptions, while AXT’s failure to deliver minimum capacity constitutes a material breach. SMM views the six-year commitment as a firm demand signal for InP substrates and high-purity indium. Wafer volumes, diameter mix and corresponding indium consumption were not disclosed.

Benton Resources announced on October 5, 2026 that it had signed an agreement with Quest Inc. to acquire six mineral claim units contiguous with its Dominion project in Newfoundland. Subject to exchange approval, Benton will pay C$20,000 in cash and issue 400,000 shares. The vendors will retain a 2.5% net smelter return royalty, with Benton holding the right to buy back 1.5% for C$1.5 million. A C$6,000 annual payment will begin 48 months after signing. The parcel lies about 600 metres along strike from surface samples grading up to 10.8 g/t gold, while 159 channel-sample results remain pending. Dominion also hosts volcanogenic massive-sulphide areas including Ellie and Trinity. Benton previously reported a 0.5-metre Ellie channel sample grading 10.60% zinc, 3.14% lead, 0.83% copper and 45.10 g/t silver, and a 2.0-metre Trinity sample grading 1.47% zinc, 0.32% lead, 0.08% copper and 10.72 g/t silver.

Semtech said in its Aug. 25 earnings presentation that its data-center photonics portfolio spans gain chips, high-power CW lasers, SOAs and high-speed photodiodes, while it has secured FY2027 equipment deliveries and acquired additional cleanroom space. Semtech acquired HieFo in March, adding US-based InP gain-chip and DFB-laser manufacturing. Q2 FY2027 data-center sales reached $100 million, up 39% QoQ and 91% YoY; Q3 sales are targeted to rise 45% QoQ and 160% YoY. SMM believes the buildout supports medium-term demand for InP and high-purity indium, although no nameplate capacity or indium consumption was disclosed.