Australia is a dominant player in the international lead and zinc markets and a major player in the global lead and zinc trade. Lead has a number of commercial applications, including use in batteries, health technology, insulation and cabling, weights and soldering. Zinc similarly has a number of commercial applications, including use in galvanising, batteries and as an alloy.
Australian Industry Structure
A number of companies are currently involved in Australia’s major lead operations. They are BHP Billiton, CBH Resources, Ivernia (Magellan), Minerals and Metals Group, Kagara Zinc, Perilya and Xstrata. Major lead mines are located in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, and the primary lead refinery is in South Australia at Port Pirie.
Companies currently involved in Australia’s major zinc operations include BHP Billiton, Minerals and Metals Group, CBH Resources, Intec, Jabiru Metals, Kagara Ltd, Perilya, Sun Metals, Xstrata and Terramin. Major zinc mines are located in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Northern Territory. Australia has electrolytic zinc smelters at Risdon (Tasmania), Port Pirie (South Australia) and a refinery at Townsville (Queensland).
International Engagement
Australia is a member of the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG). Australia, through the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, chairs the Statistics and Forecasting Committee. The combined group is based in Lisbon, Portugal. Further information regarding the ILZSG is available from the International Mineral Study Groups webpage or the International Lead and Zinc Study Group
website.
Additional Information
These commodities are an important component of Australia's international engagement and dialogue. Further detail regarding Australia's international engagement can be obtained from the International Engagement webpage.
Information relating to investment in exploration and mining in Australia can be obtained from the Minerals and Petroleum Exploration and Development Guide for Investors webpage.