Zinc

An essential mineral for the human immune system, zinc is also used to protect steel used in vehicles, infrastructure and consumer white goods.

Essential protection

We are one of the largest integrated zinc producers in the world, with zinc and lead operations and exploration projects in seven countries.

“In 10 years we’ve grown from a single smelter business to a world-class integrated zinc and lead producer.” Santiago Zaldumbide,
Chief Executive, Xstrata Zinc and Executive Director,
Xstrata plc

Around half of all zinc is used to galvanise steel, an environmentally friendly way of protecting against corrosion. Zinc is also used to make die-cast alloys, brass and zinc oxides and chemicals. Lead-acid batteries used in cars, motorcycles and e-bikes account for around 80% of total lead consumption.

Creating a global leader

We have created the world’s premier integrated zinc business over the past ten years by investing prudently in our assets to expand production, reduce costs, expand resources and improve overall operating and safety performance. In the next two years, we will commission a further six growth projects in Australia and Canada to expand mined zinc production at a time when many zinc mines globally are due to reach the end of their lives.