Zinc and Tin Supply Pressures Put Historic Mining Districts Back in Focus
Global zinc demand is expected to exceed supply by 88,000 tonnes in 2026, while tin faces a longer supply squeeze with demand projected to grow 22% through 2035 versus only 16% supply growth. As zinc, tin, and lead are designated critical minerals, explorers are returning to historic polymetallic districts. GoldHaven Resources reported encouraging drill results at its D Zone project in British Columbia with semi-massive sulphide mineralization including visible lead-zinc minerals and tin-bearing skarn. Major producers like Nexa Resources and Titan Mining reported strong operational results, while South32 advances its Taylor zinc-lead-silver project in Arizona.