METALS AND MINERALS
Lower-carbon and second-life zinc solutions with Nyrstar Europe
Zinc plays a fundamental role in the energy transition. However, its extraction and transformation can be energy intensive and have environmental impacts.
By reducing the GHG emissions in our operations and supply chain, we can offer our customers lower-carbon metals. Supported by a Life Cycle Assessment of Nyrstar European special high‑grade zinc (SHGZ), we are progressing efforts to lower the carbon footprint of the zinc produced at our Nyrstar operations in Europe. This includes major smelting and treatment plants in Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
This is underpinned by a range of efforts, such as:
- Energy efficiency improvements, for example, recovering excess heat generated during zinc production and upgrading the boilers;
- An upgraded logistics network – including the use of rail from the Port of Antwerp to Nyrstar sites and increasing the use of barges;
- Onsite renewable electricity generation and green electricity purchasing; and
- Water recycling measures and biological treatment facilities.
We are also investing in solutions to increase the portion of recycled metals within select products, thereby supporting circular economy efforts.
As a result, we are now able to offer two differentiated products to our customers:
- Low-carbon zinc: Nyrstar’s zinc production from primary sources has one of the lowest GWP (global warming potential, tCO2e/tSHGZ) values on the market at almost four times lower than the industry average.
- Second-life zinc: Through the use of secondary zinc, captured during the process of recycling galvanised steel or recovered from other metal by-products that contain significant concentrations of zinc, valuable natural resources are conserved and the environmental footprint associated with mining activities and levels of waste are reduced.
To further assist our customers, Trafigura also provides high-quality nature-based carbon offsets to compensate for residual emissions.
In September 2024, Nyrstar Balen-Pelt, Budel, Clarksville, and Hobart zinc smelting operations achieved The Zinc Mark, signifying our adherence to best-in-class requirements for responsible production practices.
Zinc and the critical and strategic byproducts we generate at our facilities in Australia, Europe and the US are essential for the green transition, high tech and regional security.
The Zinc Mark award of our zinc smelting operations is a testament to the care our local teams take for environment, health, safety and the well-being of our local communities, demonstrating Nyrstar’s robust ESG policies and practices.
With these most recent Zinc Mark awards Nyrstar Balen‑Pelt, Budel and Hobart are the first sites to receive The Zinc Mark in Belgium, The Netherlands and Australia, respectively.
To receive The Zinc Mark, operations are assessed and independently verified against 32 responsible production criteria including greenhouse gas emissions, community health and safety, respect for Indigenous rights and business integrity and confirmed to meet the required performance threshold.
More information about The Zinc Mark assessment can be found at:
You may also be interested in
Explore our publications and get
the latest news and insights.