Global lead production reached 4,590.7 kilotonnes in 2024, up by 2.8% over 2023, with Australia, Mexico, Russia, and India contributing 27.8% of the global total. Australia and India were key contributors, driven by the ramp-up of projects such as the Abra Base Metals mine in Australia and India’s Sindesar, Zawar, and Rajpura Dariba mines. Mexico’s production was boosted by higher grades at Newmont’s Penasquito mine, despite a four-month labour dispute earlier in the year while Russia’s Ozernoe mine commencement added to growth.
In 2025, lead production will be driven by higher output from China, Russia, and India, offsetting declines in Australia and Peru due to scheduled mine closures. China’s lead production, the largest globally, will grow slightly by 2.1% in 2025, but its long-term growth will be slow, with a CAGR of 0.5% through to 2030 due to few new capacity additions.
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Meanwhile, Australia’s lead production surged by 11.4% in 2024, reaching 502.5 kilotonnes, driven by projects such as Abra Base Metals and higher grades at South32’s Cannington mine. However, growth was tempered by lower output from mines scheduled for closure, such as Potosi/Silver Peak (2025) and Rasp (2026), which are depleting in reserves. In addition, the placement of Century Tailings under care and maintenance following a regional fire in October 2024 further impacted
production. Future declines in Australia’s production are expected, with a CAGR of -1.3% by 2030, primarily due to planned mine closures.
In contrast, North American countries, including the US, Canada, and Mexico, will experience growth, with production rising by 29% from 2024 to 2030, driven by new projects such as Hermosa (2027), La Colorada Skarn, and Pine Point (2029).
Over the forecast period (2025-2030), global lead production growth is expected to be relatively flat at 0.03%, impacted by mine closures, but offset by new projects such as Bunker Hill, Tala Hamza and Corani.
Global lead mine production (kilotonnes), 2010–2030
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