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    CRU: North American zinc supply at increased risk of disruption

    Written by Helen O’Cleary


    Refined output will decline y/y in H2

    North America’s refined zinc output was flat y/y in H1 2024, but we estimate it will decline 3.0% y/y in H2. This is due mainly to a sizeable disruption allowance to cover the planned maintenance closure at Glencore’s Valleyfield smelter (305,000 mt/y) in Quebec. Assuming the cell house replacement and post-maintenance ramp-up go according to plan, we expect North American refined zinc output to fall 1.5% y/y in 2024.

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