FEATURE ARTICLE-- Zinc Feature: Grade Expectations

摘要

After a period of steady decline, the weighted-average zinc grade of primary zinc mines is expected to increase in the long term, rising from 4.7% in 2018 to 5.2% in 2030. This rise in zinc grade is a function of the closure of large, low-grade operations, such as Sumitomo's 275ktpa San Cristobal and the commencement of higher grade operations including Vedanta's 250ktpa Gamsberg and MMG's 170ktpa Dugald River. This rise in zinc grade is substantially at odds with the declining grade trends common to copper and nickel.