Zinc is one of the most critical yet underappreciated metals supporting global industrial development. While gold and copper often capture market attention, zinc remains fundamental to infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy systems, and long-term asset protection. As economies continue to modernize and governments invest heavily in clean energy and industrial renewal, zinc’s importance as a strategic material continues to strengthen.
Global Market Overview
The importance of Zinc cannot be overstated when it comes to the continued progress of the world’s industries. Gold and Copper are the two metals that are typically in the spotlight of market news but Zinc plays an extremely important role in infrastructure and manufacturing; it plays a vital role in renewable energy system performance and provides a long term protective barrier against corrosion for assets and equipment.
As economies continue to evolve and governments spend billions of dollars on green technologies and industrial renewal, Zinc will become even more of a strategic material in the world economy.
Market Trends
In September 2024, the ILZSG projected global refined zinc output at 13.54 million tonnes, compared to expected demand of 13.83 million tonnes for that year, indicating a likely deficit. Reuters noted in October 2024 that global zinc mine production was expected to decline by ~1.4% to ~12.06 million tonnes.
It is estimated that about 60% of all zinc used globally is in the form of galvanised steel, used primarily in construction and infrastructure (NAI500, 2024). As developing countries urbanize and developed nations replace aging infrastructure, there will be an increase in demand for corrosion-resistant steel used in bridges, wind turbines, vehicles, and industrial facilities.
In addition to the traditional applications, zinc is gaining recognition in the energy transition, as:
- Renewable energy systems use zinc-coated steel for long-term durability.
- Emerging zinc-ion batteries provide safer, more cost-effective energy storage options for grids.
- Approximately 30% of the world’s zinc is recycled (World Economic Forum, 2024), reinforcing its sustainability credentials.
Canada’s Role in the Global Zinc Market
Canada is positioned as both a zinc producer and refiner:
- Mined zinc production (2022): 180,256 tonnes (‑22% YoY) ~ 1.4% of global mine output
- Refined zinc output (2022): 599,899 tonnes (‑6% YoY)
- Proven & probable reserves: ~2.18 million tonnes (Statistics Canada, 2023)
- Export value (2023): Down ~5% YoY (Natural Resources Canada)
Although raw mine output has declined, Canada remains a key hub for refining zinc concentrates, importing from Alaska and other sources to maintain domestic production. Due to Canada’s stable political environment, ESG standards, and advanced infrastructure, it is considered a trusted supplier for Western markets increasingly focused on secure critical-metal supply chains.
Forecasted top-zinc producing countries (2024 est.): (2024 est.):
| Rank | Country | Production (million tonnes) | Global Share (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 4.2 | ~33.6% | Largest global producer, domestic consumption heavy |
| 2 | Peru | 1.4 | ~11.2% | Major exporter to Asia |
| 3 | Australia | 1.2 | ~9.6% | Strong output from Mount Isa & Century mines |
| 4 | India | 0.9 | ~7.2% | Ramp‑up from Hindustan Zinc |
| 5 | United States | 0.8 | ~6.4% | Key producer in Alaska |
| 6 | Mexico | 0.7 | ~5.6% | Consistent mid‑tier supplier |
| 7 | Bolivia | 0.5 | ~4.0% | Expanding processing capacity |
| 8 | Kazakhstan | 0.4 | ~3.2% | State‑backed growth projects |
| 9 | Canada | 0.18 | ~1.4% | Focused on refining and exploration growth |
| 10 | Russia | 0.17 | ~1.36% | Export‑oriented |
Golden Rapture Mining: A Focus On Gold With The Added Benefit Of Strategic Critical-Mineral Exposure
Golden Rapture Mining (CSE: GLDR) has gained initial recognition through its successful exploration efforts in northern Ontario’s rich gold deposits. In addition to its gold-focused exploration activities, the company also possesses exposure to several other key critical minerals, including zinc, placing Golden Rapture in a unique position as part of Canada’s rapidly evolving multi-metal exploration landscape.
Hutchison Mine Project: Gold Production History And Zinc Potential
Located near the operating Greenstone Mine (Equinox), the Hutchison Mine Project has a history of gold production, and earlier exploration also documented:
- High-grade zinc and copper zones in the northern part of the property
- Graphite intersections in numerous historical Noranda Mining drill holes
This dual-metal profile provides Golden Rapture with strategic optionality — enabling the company to participate in both the gold market and the accelerating global push for critical minerals.
Strategic Advantage
The inclusion of zinc in Golden Rapture’s exploration portfolio offers:
- Alignment with Canada’s National Critical Minerals Strategy
- Diversification of long-term resource value
- Increased relevance as global supply chains tighten for refined zinc and battery metals
While the primary focus remains expanding its high-grade gold resources, the zinc and copper present at Hutchison represent a lesser-known layer of potential value that complements Golden Rapture’s gold strategy.
Investor Outlook
With tightening global inventories and decreasing refined output, the zinc market is beginning to show signs of a developing supply deficit. Canada’s stable jurisdiction, established refining infrastructure, and increasing exploration activity position the country as an attractive environment for investors seeking both stability and growth.
By combining the upside potential of high-grade gold discovery with the diversification benefits of critical mineral exposure, Golden Rapture Mining is well positioned within today’s commodity cycle.
In the coming years, as zinc becomes increasingly important in construction, clean energy, and electrification, projects like Hutchison may become strategically significant assets in Canada’s mining landscape due to their multi-metal potential.
Marc has been involved in the Stock Market Media Industry for the last +5 years. After obtaining a college degree in engineering in France, he moved to Canada, where he created Money,eh?, a personal finance website.
