---
title: "Zinc Hovers Near 3½-Year High"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286712421.md"
description: "Zinc futures remain above $3,500 per tonne, nearing a 3½-year high due to tightening supply from disruptions at Nexa’s Cajamarquilla smelter and Glencore’s Kazzinc plant. Falling inventories and treatment charges further indicate constrained supply. Potential relief may come from the restart of Boliden’s Tara mine and other projects. Demand is supported by improving industrial activity in China, though uncertainty in the Middle East affects the overall outlook."
datetime: "2026-05-18T04:01:29.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286712421.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286712421.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286712421.md)
---

# Zinc Hovers Near 3½-Year High

Zinc futures held above $3,500 per tonne, hovering near a more than 3½-year high, supported by tightening supply conditions following recent disruptions.

Operations at Nexa’s Cajamarquilla smelter in Peru were temporarily halted after a fire, while Glencore’s Kazzinc plant in Kazakhstan reduced capacity following a blast. Falling inventories and declining treatment charges for zinc concentrate further highlight constrained availability of raw materials.

Ongoing mine closures have also added to supply-side strain.

Some relief, however, may come from the expected restart of Boliden’s Tara mine, the ramp-up of Ivanhoe’s Kipushi project, and the resumption of output at Garpenberg in the second quarter, all of which could add incremental supply.

On the demand side, improving industrial activity in China is offering some support, although ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East continue to weigh on the broader outlook.

### Related Stocks

- [NEXA.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/NEXA.US.md)
- [GLEN.UK](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/GLEN.UK.md)
- [GLNCY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/GLNCY.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [Nexa Resources Temporarily Suspends Peru Smelter Following Fire Incident](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286387973.md)
- [Nexa Provides Update on Cajamarquilla Operation | NEXA Stock News](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286320221.md)
- [Europe's smelters need long-term price protection, Trafigura CEO says](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287026663.md)
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