According to SMM data, overseas lead concentrate production reached approximately 588,000 tonnes of lead in concentrate in Q1 2025, down 1.8% year-on-year and 6.1% quarter-on-quarter.
Australia recorded the largest decline, producing 91,000 tonnes of lead in concentrate in the quarter—down 12,000 tonnes YoY and 22,000 tonnes QoQ—due to January wildfires and floods in February and March. North America also posted a drop of 7,000 tonnes YoY and 12,000 tonnes QoQ, mainly driven by Mexico, where lower ore grades and reduced milling volumes weighed on output.
Overall, weather-related disruptions were the main factor behind weaker-than-expected production. A mild recovery is anticipated in Q2.