Newly added capacity of global zinc mines to reach 351,000 mt in 2021

Published: Dec 4, 2020 15:00

Save

"Mines in Peru and Bolivia reduced and stopped production in H1 2020 and some new production capacity in 2020 delayed commissioning amid Covid-19. It is estimated that the newly added capacity of overseas mines in 2021 will be 351,000 mt, said Darius Li, SMM's Senior Analyst of Zinc research

SUZHOU, Dec 4 (SMM) – It is estimated that the newly added capacity of overseas mines in 2021 will be 351,000 mt, said Darius Li, SMM's Senior Analyst of Zinc research,

"From January to October 2020, imported zinc concentrates totalled 2.713 million mt, up 38.1% year-on-year. China's zinc concentrate imports stood at 410,700 mt in October, up 142,400 mt from July. Arrivals of imported zinc ore at smelters in Q1 2021 remain as the market focus," Li gave his insights on the zinc market on Friday, at the Shanghai Metals Market’s 2020 Nonferrous Metals Industry Chain Annual Conference held in Kempinski Hotel Suzhou.

source: SMM

Li noted that overseas refined zinc has been less affected by Covid-19. Cajamarquilla of NEXA in Peru has reduced production since March 17, then gradually recovered; Skorpion of Vedanta in Namibia suspended operation since March 27; and HZL smelter temporarily suspended operation for 2 to 3 weeks. In H2 2020, AZR resumed production and Penoles expanded production. Domestic smelters gradually increased production in H2 2020, and refined zinc output reached a record high.

source: SMM

Li also expects zinc prices to rise before falling in 2021. "LME zinc prices are expected to trade between $2,300-3,000/mt. SHFE zinc prices are expected to trade between 18,000-22,500 yuan/mt."

Zinc

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Mar 13, 2026 18:52

North China Mine Sets March Zinc Concentrates Tender at 2,300 Yuan/mt with Profit-Sharing

[Zinc Concentrates Tender] According to SMM, the March tender price for self pick-up at the mine for zinc concentrates at a mine in North China was around 2,300 yuan/mt in metal content (including the 20/80 profit-sharing arrangement), with the enriched metal not priced. SMM will continue to monitor subsequent changes in processing fees.

Mar 13, 2026 18:52

Zinc Concentrates Market Faces Supply Concerns as Disruptions in Iran, Australia Persist

[Imported Zinc Concentrates Market] Disruptions in Iran and Australia persisted recently, and the market’s concern over zinc concentrates supply continued. This week, traders of imported zinc ore continued to lower spot quotes. It was learned that some recent offers for bulk cargoes of zinc-rich zinc concentrates fell to negative prices.

Mar 13, 2026 18:52

Mar 13, 2026 16:58

Secondary Zinc Oxide Payables Remained Relatively Firm, How Will They Perform in March [SMM Analysis]

Secondary Zinc Oxide Production Fell in February, While Secondary Zinc Oxide Payables Remained Relatively Firm. What Trend Will Secondary Zinc Oxide Show in March?

Mar 13, 2026 16:58