Our Story

An International Leader in Zinc, Lead and Critical Metals

Nyrstar, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a leading international producer of industrial and critical minerals and metals essential to the energy transition, high-technology applications and regional security.

With a market‑leading position in zinc and lead, the company operates interlinked smelting and related facilities across Europe and Australia, employing more than 3,000 people.

With over 150 years of metal processing history, Nyrstar combines deep industry expertise with a strong global presence. Our advanced smelting and process technologies, together with market insight, enable us to source, manufacture, and deliver the high-quality products our customers depend upon. Strategically located near key customers and transport hubs, our global operations ensure efficient supply and distribution.

Supplying Strategic Sectors

Nyrstar’s operations are servicing a wide range of clientele in sectors ranging from renewable energies, batteries, infrastructure, semiconductors, defence and clean technology. In the critical minerals space, Nyrstar’s offer in Europe and Australia currently includes zinc, lead, silver, gold, copper, cobalt, nickel (as by-products), indium and sulfuric acid and antimony, all metals and materials key in the defence, chemical, clean tech, battery, semiconductor, and other strategic sectors. Nyrstar has a number of strategic projects in place in particular to expand its critical and strategic minerals and metals offering, with a particular focus on germanium, antimony and bismuth.

Nyrstar’s business is wholly owned by Trafigura, a leading global commodities group providing critical resources to the world. Combining Nyrstar’s global production footprint with Trafigura’s trading expertise creates strong opportunities in the zinc market, uniting best practices, high standards of responsibility, and reliable, responsive service.

There’s no life without zinc

There is simply no life without zinc. Zinc is present in all parts of our body: it is in our organs, tissues, bones, fluids, and cells. Beside the fact that zinc keeps you alive, you need zinc on a daily basis to fight infections, feed your senses of taste and smell and to help your body heal wounds.

Zinc is also vital for healthy growth and brain development. Trace amounts of zinc occur in many beauty & health products and in foods such as fish, poultry, meat, cereal and milk products.

But there is much more. From fertilizers to solar panels, and a thousand products in between, zinc chemicals play a critical role in modern society and positively impact our lives on a daily basis.

The need for zinc is ever growing

Join Our Talent Community

Stay connected by joining our network! Enter your e-mail and tell us a bit about yourself, and well keep you informed about upcoming events and opportunities that match your interests.