Zinc’s role and sources

Zinc is primarily used to protect steel from corrosion and to make alloys. Africa contributes notably to global zinc production, with major extraction in South Africa, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Gamsberg mine expansion

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated the concentration plant of the second phase of the Gamsberg zinc mine on October 16. Operated by Vedanta, an Indian company, this project is expected to double the mine’s production capacity.

Investment and timing

The Gamsberg Phase II project cost 7 billion rand (about 424 million USD) and was approved in 2022. Its completion last week will increase the mine’s annual output to 500,000 tonnes of zinc, up from 250,000 tonnes.

Other African projects

In the DRC, Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines completed work to unblock its Kipushi mine in 2023, aiming to boost ore processing by 20 percent. Separately, British firm Appian Capital Advisory is expanding the Rosh Pinah Zinc mine in Namibia, acquired in June 2023.

Production goals and market context

Appian aims to increase ore processing at Rosh Pinah from 0.7 million to 1.4 million tonnes annually, targeting 77,000 tonnes of zinc yearly. These expansions aim to meet growing demand driven by infrastructure and energy transition needs.

Zinc price trends

Zinc prices have risen over 25 percent in a year, despite a recent 5 percent drop. Supply tensions persist, though recent reports suggest increased zinc concentrate availability from China.

Recent production results

Kipushi mine in the DRC has seen record quarterly volumes since early 2026, with Ivanhoe expecting production to reach 290,000 tonnes this year. Vedanta, meanwhile, aims to produce 185,000 tonnes of zinc in its 2025-2026 fiscal year.