Zinc plays an essential role in the global economy and will continue to be pivotal in the clean energy transition.

The Pine Point Mining project, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, has the potential to become one of the world’s leading producers of zinc concentrate. This brownfield site’s major advantages include significant support infrastructure that is already in place, including power from the Taltson Hydroelectric dam and the on-site electrical substation, paved highway access, and 100 kilometres of viable 25-metre-wide haulage roads.

Zinc is one of 31 critical minerals identified by Canada as required for a sustainable transition to a low-carbon economy. It is used to galvanize iron and steel to protect against corrosion, adding longevity to infrastructure and construction materials that would otherwise deteriorate and must be rebuilt. Cement production accounts for approximately 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Lead supports the clean energy transition as a component of wind generation and increases solar panel longevity, according to the World Bank. Most importantly, it allows for easier recovery of other metals when recycling electronic waste.