April 28, 2023: World lead mine production is forecast to grow by 2.8% this year to 4.56 million tonnes — according to latest data published on April 27 by the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG).

The increase will largely be the result of an expected significant increase in Australia, where Galena Mining commissioned its 95,000 tonne per year Abra mine in January.

Further rises are expected in China, India, Kazakhstan and Mexico, the ILZSG said.

Meanwhile the global demand for refined lead metal is anticipated to increase by 1.7% in 2023 to 12.53 million tonnes.

European usage of refined led dipped 1.9% in 2022, mainly as consequence of reductions in Austria, Poland, Russia, Spain and Ukraine, according to the data. However, modest growth of 0.4% is expected in 2023, despite a significant reduction in Italian demand.

After rising by 0.9% last year, Chinese demand is forecast to increase by a further 0.7% in 2023. Rises are also expected in India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and the US.

An anticipated increase in world refined lead metal output of 2.8%, to 12.51 million tonnes, will be mainly influenced by a rise in Germany, following the restart of Trafigura’s newly-acquired Nyrstar Stolberg lead production plant.

ILZSG said output is also expected to increase in Australia, India, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates — where new capacity is expected to be commissioned.