Zinc: World Mine Production, By Country Or Locality

This dataset presents the annual global production of zinc mined by country or locality, measured in thousand metric tons of zinc content from concentrates and direct shipping ore. This information is critical for understanding the supply dynamics of zinc, a metal widely used in galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, in alloy production, and in various industrial applications including batteries and construction materials. Tracking production by country helps identify major producers, monitor shifts in global supply, and assess the potential impact on zinc prices and availability, which in turn influences manufacturing costs and economic stability in sectors reliant on this essential metal.

Analysis of the data from 2019 through 2023 reveals that China remains the dominant zinc producer, maintaining output around 4,000 thousand metric tons annually, with 4,060 thousand metric tons reported in 2023. Peru and Australia are also leading contributors, with Peru increasing production from 1,383 thousand metric tons in 2019 to 1,469 thousand metric tons in 2023, while Australia’s output declined from 1,337 thousand metric tons in 2019 to 1,094 thousand metric tons in 2023. Notable declines are seen in Canada, where production dropped sharply from 336 thousand metric tons in 2019 to an estimated 120 thousand metric tons in 2023, and in Ireland, which fell from 122 thousand metric tons to 53 thousand metric tons over the same period. The United States showed a rebound in zinc production, rising from 704 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 766 thousand metric tons in 2023. Overall, global zinc mine production decreased from 12,800 thousand metric tons in 2019 to an estimated 12,100 thousand metric tons in 2023, reflecting fluctuations in mining activity and market conditions worldwide.