Nexa resumes Cajamarquilla zinc output following incident
2026-06-02 11:35:42 [Print]
Nexa Resources has provided a market update on its Cajamarquilla zinc smelter in Peru following the incident that occurred on May 13, 2026. Electrolysis lines are now fully operational, and one casting line is producing zinc bars. The company expects a production loss of approximately 7,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026-equivalent to about 2% of its annual refined zinc output-which is anticipated to be recovered in the second half of the year. Nexa's 2026 sales guidance remains unchanged, and no material financial impact is currently expected. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
Nexa is gradually resuming production at Cajamarquilla, with electrolysis lines already running at full capacity and one casting line back in operation since the weekend, currently producing zinc bars. The company plans to restart the second casting line within the next few days, followed by the final casting line by mid-June.
As a result of the temporary disruption, Nexa estimates a second-quarter 2026 production impact of roughly 7,000 tonnes of refined zinc, which it expects to recover during the second half of the year. The company's 2026 sales guidance remains unchanged. Consistent with its assessment on May 13, Nexa does not currently anticipate a material financial impact from the incident.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and the company will continue to update the market as more information becomes available.
Nexa is a large-scale, low-cost, integrated polymetallic producer, with zinc as its primary product. With over 65 years of experience developing and operating mining and smelting assets in Latin America, the company currently owns and operates five polymetallic mines---four long-life underground mines (two in Peru's Central Andes region and two in Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso) and one open-pit mine in Peru's Central Andes region. Nexa also owns and operates three zinc smelters: two in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Tres Marias and Juiz de Fora), and one in Lima, Peru (Cajamarquilla), which is the largest zinc smelter in the Americas.
Nexa is gradually resuming production at Cajamarquilla, with electrolysis lines already running at full capacity and one casting line back in operation since the weekend, currently producing zinc bars. The company plans to restart the second casting line within the next few days, followed by the final casting line by mid-June.
As a result of the temporary disruption, Nexa estimates a second-quarter 2026 production impact of roughly 7,000 tonnes of refined zinc, which it expects to recover during the second half of the year. The company's 2026 sales guidance remains unchanged. Consistent with its assessment on May 13, Nexa does not currently anticipate a material financial impact from the incident.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and the company will continue to update the market as more information becomes available.
Nexa is a large-scale, low-cost, integrated polymetallic producer, with zinc as its primary product. With over 65 years of experience developing and operating mining and smelting assets in Latin America, the company currently owns and operates five polymetallic mines---four long-life underground mines (two in Peru's Central Andes region and two in Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso) and one open-pit mine in Peru's Central Andes region. Nexa also owns and operates three zinc smelters: two in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Tres Marias and Juiz de Fora), and one in Lima, Peru (Cajamarquilla), which is the largest zinc smelter in the Americas.
Zinc Conc. Zn 50%min, Ag 150g/dt min EXW China Ag payable
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China's refined zinc producers' inventory to production ratio statistics by province by month
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