The International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) has published a press release outlining forecasts drawn from its recent meeting in Lisbon. Distribution of its detailed forecasts is restricted but the commentary from the press release does name the countries where ILZSG expects zinc and lead mine production to either increase or decrease significantly. ILZSG said, "A forecast 5.4 percent fall in global zinc mine output to 11.08 million tonnes this year is due to a number of cutbacks and closures mostly implemented at the end of last year. Significant reductions are expected in Australia, China, Peru, Portugal and the United States." CRU only forecasts a 4 percent fall, but this is from a lower 2008 base. This is because our estimate of Chinese mine output is 200,000t lower.
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