508
L. Reemeyer
been significant historical producers. Zinc production in USA and the EU have been
relatively consistent, while some decline in lead production occurred. Lead and zinc
production in Mexico have increased since the late 1990’s, largely due to the start-up
of Penasquito mine. As Australian and Canadian production declined, Chinese and
Indian production increased (Figs. 1 and 2; Table 1). By 2017, China was by far the
largest producer of mined lead and zinc. Indian production has centered on a single
large zinc mine (Rampura Agucha).
In 2018, MMG’s Dugald River mine has achieved commercial production, and
New Century resources has commenced reprocessing of historical Century tailings
for recovery of zinc concentrate. The combination of these developments is less
than the historical production from Century mine but has allowed some rebound in
Australian zinc concentrate production.
0
2,000,000
4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
12,000,000
14,000,000
16,000,000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Global Zinc Mine ProducƟon by Country
Australia
Canada
USA
Mexico
European Union
Peru
India
China
Other
Fig. 1 Global zinc mine production by country [1]
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015e 2,016 2017
Global Lead Mine ProducƟon by Country
Australia
Canada
USA
Mexico
European Union
Peru
India
China
Other
Fig. 2 Global lead mine production by country [2]