Key Takeaways
- In 2022, global zinc mine production totaled 13.3 million metric tons, with China leading at 4.3 million metric tons.
- Peru's zinc mine production in 2022 was 1.4 million metric tons, accounting for 10.5% of global output.
- Australia's zinc production from mines reached 1.1 million metric tons in 2022.
- Global zinc reserves are estimated at 253 million metric tons as of 2022.
- Australia's zinc reserves stand at 60 million metric tons, the largest globally in 2022.
- China's identified zinc resources total 44 million metric tons in 2022.
- Global zinc consumption reached 13.4 million metric tons in 2022.
- Galvanizing accounted for 52% of global zinc consumption in 2022, or 7 million tons.
- Brass and bronze production consumed 14% of zinc, about 1.9 million tons in 2022.
- Average LME zinc price in 2022 was $3,400 per metric ton.
- Zinc spot price peaked at $4,100 per ton on LME in March 2022.
- Annual average zinc price on SHFE in 2022 was 24,500 RMB per ton.
- Global zinc exports totaled 3.8 million metric tons in 2022.
- China's zinc exports reached 0.45 million tons in 2022.
- Netherlands was the top zinc exporter with 1.2 million tons in 2022.
China leads global zinc production and consumption, with Asia dominating the market.
Consumption
Consumption Interpretation
Prices
Prices Interpretation
Production
Production Interpretation
Reserves
Reserves Interpretation
Trade
Trade Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). Zinc Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/zinc-industry-statistics
Karl Becker. "Zinc Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/zinc-industry-statistics.
Karl Becker. 2026. "Zinc Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/zinc-industry-statistics.
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