After contracting by 2.8% in 2024, global zinc production is expected to recover in 2025, growing by 4.2% year-on-year to reach 12.4 million tonnes (mt). This rebound will be driven by the ramp-up of several newly commissioned and restarted operations, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), China, and Russia, three markets poised to play a larger role in shaping the near-term global zinc supply landscape.
Leading this resurgence is the Kipushi Mine in the DRC, which restarted operations in May 2024 after years under care and maintenance. The mine is targeting an annualised output of 250 kilotonnes by 2026 and will be a major contributor to Africa’s growing base metals sector. Meanwhile, China’s Huoshaoyun mine and Russia’s Ozernoe mine, both of which commenced production in 2024, are expected to scale up throughout 2025, further supporting global output growth.
Additional contributions will come from Ireland, India, and Kazakhstan. Ireland’s Tara mine, which resumed production in May 2024 after a labour agreement, is set to reach full capacity in early 2025, securing operational continuity for at least six more years. In Kazakhstan, the Shalkiya zinc expansion project is expected to begin production in 2025, adding meaningful new capacity to the country’s output.
In 2024, production fell in several key regions due to declining ore grades, mine closures, and price-related shutdowns. In Peru, reduced grades at Antamina affected volumes, while Ireland’s Tara mine was offline for most of the year. Australia
experienced a wave of temporary and permanent closures, including the Jaguar/Bentley, King Vol, Mungana, and Hera mines. In Canada, the closure of ageing operations such as 777 and Bracemac-McLeod, amid a long-term decline in national zinc reserves, led to lower output.
Looking further ahead, global zinc production is projected to decline at a -0.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to 12.1mt by 2030. This will largely be driven by the planned closures of major mines such as Red Dog in the US, Zawar Dam in
India, and San Cristobal in Bolivia, which collectively produced over 850 kilotonnes in 2024. However, losses will be partially offset by ongoing ramp-ups in Russia and the DRC and the launch of new Canadian projects, notably Kutcho and McIlvenna Bay.
Global zinc mine production (thousand tonnes), 2010–2030
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData