Zinc

Zinc is the third most important non-ferrous metal after aluminum and copper in terms of usage. These three metals are primarily used to increase the corrosion resistance of iron and steel, as well as in the production of brass and special alloys for the foundry industry. Zinc, which has a relatively low recycling rate and is largely dependent on mining activities, is also utilized in roofing materials and the tire industry (as ZnO). Traditionally classified as a base metal, zinc is now being elevated to critical mineral status by many countries and institutions due to its increasing strategic importance in line with low-carbon economy goals.

According to 2025 United States Geological Survey (USGS) data, total global reserves stand at 240 million tonnes, with Australia maintaining its first-place position with a 27% share. China has increased its share of global reserves to 25%, a 5% jump compared to 2024.

In 2025, approximately 12 million tonnes of zinc were produced globally. With a 34% share, China remains the largest player in production. This position elevates China not only to the status of the world's leading zinc producer but also to the most critical determinant of global supply security.

As of 2024, run-of-mine (ROM) zinc production in our country reached 316,886 tonnes. Our country's ROM zinc exports over the last five years have fluctuated between 600,000 and 900,000 tonnes. In 2025, a total of 695,360 tonnes of ROM zinc exports generated 476 million USD in revenue.

Import values have also been on the rise since 2019, and the 44,826 tonnes of ROM zinc imported in 2022 represents the highest volume of the last six years. Following the historic peak in 2022, it is observed that while there has been a limited increase in import volume as of 2025, the import value has risen at a much faster pace.

The primary fields standing out for zinc production in Türkiye are Balya (Balıkesir) and Çayeli (Rize). In these fields, zinc concentrate has been produced from lead-zinc and copper-zinc ores for many years. Furthermore, with the facility established in the Siirt Industrial Zone in 2021, the industrial infrastructure for metallic zinc (zinc ingot) production was created for the first time in Türkiye. This development is considered a significant step, indicating that zinc production in our country is moving beyond the concentrate level toward metal production.

Date of Update: 18 May 2026