Exporting Zinc Concentrate to the US — Refinery Procurement Specialists

Zinc concentrate is the critical raw material powering the US zinc refining industry, which supplies galvanized steel, die-cast alloys, and chemical compounds essential to infrastructure, automotive, and construction sectors. As domestic zinc mine production in the United States has declined over the past decade, US refineries increasingly rely on imports of high-grade zinc concentrate to maintain capacity utilization. This page provides a comprehensive guide for suppliers in Latin America and Africa seeking to export zinc concentrate to US and global refineries, covering product specifications, supplier landscape, buyer requirements, certifications, pricing dynamics, and how Coppermont facilitates these cross-border transactions.

The Role of Zinc Concentrate in US Supply Chains

Zinc concentrate is the intermediate product obtained after mining and beneficiating zinc-bearing ores, typically containing 45% to 62% zinc by weight, along with variable quantities of lead, silver, copper, and other metals. US refineries—such as those operated by Nyrstar, Teck Resources, and Glencore—process this concentrate through roasting, leaching, and electrolysis to produce high-purity zinc metal (SHG, 99.995% Zn) used for galvanizing steel, producing brass, and manufacturing zinc oxide for rubber and paints. In 2023, the United States imported over 1.2 million metric tons of zinc concentrate, with the majority sourced from Peru, Mexico, and Canada [1]. Latin American suppliers, particularly from Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, have become indispensable partners in bridging the gap between US refinery demand and domestic mine output, which met only about 60% of concentrate requirements in 2022 [2].

Product Specifications and Grades Relevant to US Buyers

US refineries demand zinc concentrate that meets strict chemical and physical specifications to ensure efficient processing and compliance with environmental regulations. The most commonly traded grade is zinc concentrate with a minimum of 50% Zn content, though higher-grade material (55%–62% Zn) commands a premium due to reduced shipping and processing costs per unit of zinc. Key penalty elements include iron (Fe), typically limited to 8%–12%; lead (Pb), often capped at 2%–5%; and silica (SiO₂), which can cause handling issues if exceeding 3% [3]. Silver (Ag) and cadmium (Cd) content are also monitored, as they can affect both the payment terms and environmental controls. Physical specifications require a dry, granular material with a maximum moisture content of 8% to avoid liquefaction during ocean transport, and particle size distribution must ensure minimal dust generation. US buyers typically reference ASTM B6-21 for zinc metal standards but rely on contract-specific specifications for concentrate, often aligned with the London Metal Exchange (LME) settlement protocols for concentrate treatment charges (TCs) and penalties. Suppliers must provide a certified assay from an accredited laboratory, such as SGS or ALS, for each shipment, detailing zinc content, impurities, and moisture [4].

LATAM and Africa Supplier Landscape for Zinc Concentrate

Latin America dominates global zinc concentrate production, with Peru ranking as the world’s third-largest producer after China and Australia, yielding approximately 1.4 million metric tons of zinc in concentrate in 2023 [5]. Peru’s Antamina mine, a joint venture between BHP, Glencore, and Teck, is a major supplier of high-grade concentrate to US refineries, while smaller operations in the central Andes, such as Volcan and Nexa Resources, provide consistent tonnage. Bolivia, with its San Cristóbal and Huari Huari mines, offers concentrate with elevated silver credits, appealing to US buyers seeking by-product value. Brazil’s Vazante mine, operated by Nexa, produces silicate zinc concentrate requiring specialized processing but is a reliable source for US imports. In Africa, South Africa’s Gamsberg mine (Vedanta) and Namibia’s Skorpion mine (Exxaro) contribute to global supply, though their concentrate typically flows to European and Asian refineries due to freight economics. However, rising demand from US refineries and improved shipping logistics via the Cape of Good Hope have opened opportunities for African suppliers to diversify into the US market. The supplier landscape is characterized by long-term off-take agreements, with spot sales occurring when refinery demand spikes or mine output fluctuates. US buyers prioritize suppliers with consistent quality, reliable logistics (including port infrastructure at Callao, Peru, or Walvis Bay, Namibia), and transparent pricing based on LME zinc prices minus treatment charges [6].

US Buyer Types — Who Buys Zinc Concentrate and How They Procure

US buyers of zinc concentrate fall into three primary categories: integrated zinc refineries, independent smelters, and trading houses. Integrated refineries, such as Nyrstar’s Clarksville, Tennessee, facility (capacity 220,000 metric tons per year) and Teck’s Trail, British Columbia, operations (though Canadian, they serve US offtakers), procure concentrate under long-term contracts (1–5 years) with fixed treatment charge formulas tied to LME prices. Independent smelters, including Glencore’s North American assets, negotiate annual contracts with quarterly price adjustments, often requiring minimum volumes of 10,000–50,000 dry metric tons per shipment. Trading houses like Trafigura and Mercuria act as intermediaries, aggregating concentrate from multiple suppliers to fill refinery orders, and they prefer standardized grades with minimal variability. Procurement specifications universally emphasize zinc content above 50%, iron below 10%, and moisture under 8%, with penalties for arsenic, antimony, and mercury exceeding 0.1% each. Payment terms typically involve 90% provisional payment within 10 days of bill of lading, with final settlement after assay results (usually 30 days). Suppliers must also provide a certificate of origin, a phytosanitary certificate (if required), and a packing list for customs clearance. US buyers increasingly demand environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, including proof of responsible mining practices and carbon footprint data, as refinery sustainability goals tighten [7].

Certifications and Import Requirements for Zinc Concentrate

Importing zinc concentrate into the United States requires compliance with several federal agencies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates concentrate imports under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring that shipments contain no hazardous waste residuals and that suppliers provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for transport. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code of 2608.00.0000 for zinc ores and concentrates, with duty rates typically zero under most-favored-nation (MFN) status, though suppliers from non-MFN countries may face 3.7% ad valorem duties. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) may require an import permit if the concentrate contains any endangered species by-products (rarely applicable). For quality assurance, US buyers often require certification from the International Zinc Association (IZA) or compliance with ISO 9001 for quality management systems at the mine site. Additionally, the US Coast Guard (USCG) enforces the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for shipping zinc concentrate, which is classified as a marine pollutant (Class 9) due to its environmental impact if spilled. Suppliers must ensure vessels carry valid certificates of fitness and that cargo holds are clean and dry. As of 2024, the US Department of Commerce has not imposed anti-dumping duties on zinc concentrate from Latin America or Africa, but suppliers should monitor trade actions under Section 232 for any future mineral security reviews [8].

Pricing and Lead Time Context

Zinc concentrate pricing is derived from the LME zinc cash settlement price, minus treatment charges (TCs) and penalties for impurities. As of mid-2025, benchmark TCs for spot shipments into US refineries range from $200 to $280 per dry metric ton, reflecting tight global mine supply and strong refinery demand. For example, a shipment with 55% Zn content might earn a gross value of 55% × LME price ($2,800/mt) = $1,540 per dry metric ton, from which the TC ($250) and penalties for excess iron (e.g., $20 per percentage point above 8%) are deducted, yielding a net payable of approximately $1,250–$1,300 per dry metric ton. Lead time from Latin American ports like Callao, Peru, to US Gulf Coast refineries (e.g., Corpus Christi, Texas) is typically 10–14 days by bulk carrier, while African shipments from Walvis Bay, Namibia, require 25–30 days. Suppliers should budget for freight costs of $30–$60 per wet metric ton for LATAM routes and $60–$100 for African routes, depending on vessel size and fuel surcharges. Payment is usually via irrevocable letter of credit (L/C) at sight, with demurrage and dispatch clauses to manage port delays. The US market offers premium pricing for concentrate with high silver credits (e.g., 100–300 g/t Ag), which can add $50–$150 per dry metric ton to the net payable [1].

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont bridges the gap between zinc concentrate producers in Latin America and Africa and US refinery procurement teams through a structured advisory and matchmaking process. For suppliers, we conduct a comprehensive audit of your mine’s production capacity, assay variability, and logistics readiness, then present your material to our network of pre-vetted US buyers—including integrated smelters and trading houses—under non-disclosure agreements. Our team negotiates treatment charge frameworks, penalty schedules, and payment terms aligned with LME benchmarks, and we assist with documentation for US customs clearance, including certificates of origin and MSDS preparation. For US buyers, we source consistent, high-grade zinc concentrate from reliable suppliers who meet your specific impurity tolerances and ESG criteria. We handle contract drafting, quality assurance through third-party sampling, and logistics coordination to ensure on-time delivery. Whether you are a mine seeking to enter the US market or a refinery looking to diversify your concentrate supply, Coppermont provides the expertise and connections to execute seamless transactions. Contact us today to discuss your zinc concentrate requirements.

Ready to export zinc concentrate to the US? Coppermont’s team of trade specialists can help you navigate specifications, certifications, and buyer relationships. Reach out for a free consultation.

Looking for a reliable zinc concentrate supplier? Coppermont connects US refineries with vetted producers in Latin America and Africa. Get in touch to discuss your procurement needs.