Group information / Commodity businesses

Xstrata Zinc

Overview

Following the acquisition by Xstrata in 2001 of the zinc operations of Asturiana de Zinc SA, Xstrata is one of the world´s largest producers of zinc concentrates and refined zinc. Over half of all zinc currently consumed is used for galvanising steel, which is a highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of protecting steel against corrosion. Zinc also finds application in the manufacture of die-cast alloys, brass and the production of zinc oxides and chemicals.

Xstrata’s zinc and lead operations are located in northern Spain, northern Germany, Australia and the UK. They comprise: the San Juan de Nieva zinc smelter and the Arnao zinc semis plant in Asturias, Spain; the Hinojedo roasting plant in Cantabria, Spain; the Nordenham zinc smelter near Bremerhaven in north Germany; the Mount Isa George Fisher-Hilton zinc-lead mines in Queensland, Australia; McArthur River zinc-lead mine located in the Northern Territory, Australia; and the Northfleet lead refinery located in UK.