Asturiana de Zinc

Zinc production in Asturias

Asturiana de Zinc (AZSA) is a metallurgical company producing zinc and related products. It is part of Glencore, a multinational natural-resources company and one of the world’s leading zinc producers. Its main industrial complex is in San Juan de Nieva, Asturias, with additional production centers in Arnao and Hinojedo.

Products

• Zinc Z1 (SHG, 99.995% Zn)
• ZL alloys
• Continuous Galvanizing Grade (CGG) alloys
• Sulfuric acid
• Zinc sulfate
• Liquid sulfur dioxide
• Zinc oxide

Capacity and history

The company has operated its San Juan plant for more than 60 years and employs over 1,000 people, along with more than 400 contractors. In 2020, it set a record of 510,000 metric tons of marketable zinc production, and its annual marketable sulfuric-acid capacity exceeds 675,000 metric tons. Its industrial complex is described as one of the largest and most efficient in the global zinc industry.

Technology and projects

Through its AdZ Tecnología unit, the company develops and commercializes its own technology; many processes in the zinc industry are based on developments originating there. Projects include replacing Buildings A and B, recovering heat from neutral-leach condensates, a decarbonization plan, replacing conventional lighting, and installing a photovoltaic solar field.

Corporate information

AZSA publishes annual financial statements and management reports on its website. The company also provides a reporting channel and a contact address for questions, suggestions, and complaints.