Nexa Resources has forecasted a 6.4pc increase to in its zinc equivalent metal production between 2020 and 2022, largely because its Aripuanã project will begin operations in 2021.
The South American miner’s total zinc concentrate output—derived from its five mines—in 2020 is 338-275kt (338,000-375,000mt), which will increase to 348-295kt next year, and 371-422kt in 2022.
Its three-year copper concentrate estimate will decline from 40-46kt in 2020 to 36-42kt in 2021, but return to this year’s levels by 2022. Lead concentrate, however, is expected to rise during the same period to 50-55kt this year, 61-71kt in 2021, and 67-84kt in 2022.
For its smelting segment, Nexa has estimated zinc sales (for both the metal and zinc oxide) of 615-635kt this year, 620-640kt in 2021, and 630-650kt in 2022.
In 2019, Nexa reported it had met its annual guidance for all concentrates. However, its 361kt zinc concentrate output decreased from 373kt 2018. Copper production also declined to 38kt in 2019 from 39kt the year before, while lead concentrate output fell to 51kt in 2019 from 52kt in 2018.
Metal sales from Nexa’s smelting operations rose to 621kt in 2019 from 617kt in 2018. The sales volume of metallic zinc increased by 5.8kt over 2018 to reach 585kt, largely on the backs of the company’s Cajamarquilla and Juiz de For smelters.
During Q4-2019, the company reported zinc output of 83kt because a stoppage at its Vazante mine and lower production at its Cerro Lindo mine.