5 Top Zinc News Stories of 2017

Zinc had another great run in 2017. After a bit of a dip in the summer months, it has come out on top — as of Wednesday (December 13), the metal was sitting pretty at $3,166.94 per tonne.

Prices were driven by tightening supply, due in part to environmental policy moves made by top zinc producer China. These actions stimulated further production cuts and mine closures, all in the face of rising demand. 

To find out which news resonated most with investors, we’ve gathered our most popular zinc news stories of the year. Overall, readers were interested in hearing about zinc’s positive price action and in seeing what experts had to say about the space.

Scroll on to see which zinc news stories of 2017 grabbed the attention of our investor audience.

1. John Kaiser: “Zinc Prices Have the Potential to Soar”

Our most popular zinc news story this year was a July audio interview with John Kaiser of Kaiser Research. During the discussion, Kaiser shared his thoughts on zinc, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt and tungsten, commenting that he believes the potential for zinc demand to grow is considerable. He anticipates a zinc supply/demand imbalance due to China’s “environmental awakening.” 

He also noted that zinc prices and stocks could skyrocket if relations between the US and China break down. In closing, Kaiser reveals his top stock picks, as well as what he believes investors should know about the current resource space.

2. Could Zinc Batteries Dethrone Lithium-ion Batteries?

This June article covers a breakthrough nickel-zinc battery in which a 3D zinc “sponge” replaces the traditional powdered zinc anode. Created by the US Naval Research Laboratory, the battery’s energy content and rechargeability can reportedly compete with lithium-ion batteries.

What are the key advantages of zinc batteries? For one, they are reportedly safer than lithium-ion batteries. They are also constructed with components that are easier to source, and are cheaper to make. What will this new alternative mean for zinc stocks and the sector as a whole?

3. Zinc Prices Climb on Supply Concerns

Published in November, this article looks at zinc’s price action in the later part of 2017. At the time, zinc was changing hands at over $3,200, spurred by China’s environmental crackdown. Because China is the world’s top zinc producer, changes in its output play a key role in pricing.

4. Zinc Stocks Jump After Prices Hit Decade High

Investors were pleased in August after zinc prices flew past $3,000 and hit their highest level in a decade. Zinc stocks were also on the rise, with major players in the space recording share price gains. Again there was talk of declining Chinese supply, with decreases in warehouse inventories also being discussed. Read on to find out the details.

5. What Needs to Happen for Zinc Prices to Rise?

Earlier in the year, many were asking if 2017 would be another great year for zinc. After nearly doubling in price in 2016, some wondered if the base metal would stay strong. In a February report, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) analysts claimed that three elements would be needed for a price rise to occur. What were they? Read the article to find out. 

What do you think the biggest zinc news stories were in 2017? Let us know in the comments.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Amanda Kay, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.