Leading Zinc-Producing Mines In The United States In 2023

This table presents a comprehensive overview of the leading zinc-producing mines in the United States for the year 2023, highlighting key information such as mine locations, operating companies, and the primary sources of zinc ore. This data is crucial for understanding the domestic zinc supply chain, which supports a wide range of industrial applications including galvanizing steel, manufacturing batteries, and producing alloys. Tracking production from these mines helps policymakers and industry stakeholders assess the health of the mining sector, plan for resource management, and evaluate the economic contributions of zinc mining to local and national economies.

In 2023, the mines listed accounted for the entirety of recoverable zinc mine production in the U.S., underscoring their critical role in the market. Notably, Doe Run Resources Corp. operates several mines in Missouri—Brushy Creek, Fletcher, Sweetwater, and Viburnum—that primarily extract zinc from lead ore, indicating a significant integration of zinc and lead mining in this region. The East Tennessee Zinc Complex and Middle Tennessee mines, operated by Nyrstar Tennessee Mines, focus on zinc ore but experienced temporary suspensions in November 2023, which may have impacted production levels. Additionally, the Greens Creek mine in Alaska continues to produce zinc as part of its silver-zinc ore output, while the Red Dog mine, also in Alaska, remains a major source of zinc-lead ore. The Lucky Friday mine in Idaho, primarily a silver ore producer, suspended operations in August 2023, reflecting potential challenges in the sector. These operational dynamics highlight regional variations and the interplay between zinc and other metals in U.S. mining activities.