Nyrstar Launches Strategic Review of Budel Smelter; Operations Continue Normally
Nyrstar has launched a strategic review of its Budel zinc smelter in the Netherlands, citing elevated European energy costs, intense competition for zinc concentrate and historically low treatment charges. The company said Budel has been losing money, while the Dutch government’s decision not to include grid-cost relief for energy-intensive industries in its 2027 budget has added further pressure. The review is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, with operations continuing as normal during the process. Budel has an annual refined zinc capacity of 315,000 tonnes. The smelter was placed on care and maintenance in January 2024 due to high energy costs before restarting in May that year. The review outcome could become an important variable for European refined zinc supply.