"Zinc is currently the fourth most widely consumed metal in the world after iron, aluminum, and copper. metals. ....about one-half of the zinc that is produced is used in zinc galvanizing, which is the process of adding thin layers of zinc to iron or steel to prevent rusting.
The next leading use of zinc is as an alloy; the zinc is combined with copper (to form brass) and with other metals to form materials that are used in automobiles, electrical components, and household fixtures.
A third significant use of zinc is in the production of zinc oxide (the most important zinc chemical by production volume), which is used in rubber manufacturing and as a protective skin ointment."
All of the above listed uses are industrial ones, which means the demand for zinc is cyclical. However, despite the popular thesis that a majority of world economies are slowing down, zinc prices are going up:
The start of a rally in zinc lifted market valuations of zinc producers:
Well, there are no only-zinc producers. But Trevali and Canadian Zinc are, more or less, mainly zinc-related companies (Canadian Zinc is currently a junior company, preparing its Prairie Creek Mine Project for incoming construction phase). All these companies took part in the last zinc rally.
I realize that the world stocks of zinc are at their lowest levels but this rally is really counter - intuitive...
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