Solid supply response dulls zinc lustre

Zinc's fall from more than US$1.60 a pound three months ago to less than $1.40/lb earlier this week is a sign that the market for the metal is stabilising and while there could be a little more oomph in zinc a return to higher prices could also be a trap for investors betting on a return to near-boom conditions.

Tim Treadgold

World zinc mine production could top 13 million tonnes for the first time in 2018

Signs of a rebound to more balanced conditions can be seen in the way the price has moved and can also be seen in the price-setting for treatment charges (TC) negotiated between miners and smelters.