Glencore increased its zinc metal production by 8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 227,700 tonnes. The Anglo-Swiss commodities group attributed the rise to the restart of its Nordenham smelter in Germany, which had been offline since late 2022, and solid output from its Spanish subsidiary, Asturiana de Zinc.
The company, led by CEO Gary Nagle, resumed operations at the Nordenham plant in early 2024 after placing it on care and maintenance in November 2022, citing high energy costs and geopolitical instability tied to the war in Ukraine. While the plant’s reopening supported first-quarter figures, Glencore cautioned that its overall contribution to annual output will be limited.
In contrast, production at Glencore’s Portovesme facility in Italy remains suspended following a halt initiated in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company’s zinc smelting operations are concentrated in Europe—primarily in Spain, Germany, and Italy—with an additional site in Canada.
The Asturiana de Zinc operation in Spain continues to play a central role in the group’s zinc strategy, accounting for a large share of Glencore’s refined metal output. The company noted that a substantial portion of this production—up to 72%—is processed from its own zinc concentrate.
Glencore also highlighted ongoing strength at CEZinc, its Canadian subsidiary, which operates the largest zinc smelter in eastern North America. The Quebec-based facility has contributed steadily to group output since its integration into Glencore’s zinc portfolio in April 2023.
Support from local authorities, including the Government of the Principality of Asturias, has also contributed to the operational resilience of the Spanish unit.
