Global lead production is estimated to have increased by a marginal 0.7% in 2025 to reach 4.57 million tonnes (kt), with China, Russia, Peru, India, South Africa, Turkey, and Ireland playing a pivotal role by accounting for 63.7% of this total.
The output growth was primarily driven by the new projects and restarts in China (Huoshaoyun mine), Russia (Ozernoe ramp-up), Ireland (Tara mine restart), and expansions in India. Similarly, Peru and South Africa also saw gains from higher ore grades and improved operational efficiency.
However, these gains were mostly offset by output declines in Australia, the US, and Kazakhstan, driven by declining ore grades and the closure of mines such as the Lady Loretta and Red Dog.
Looking ahead to 2026, global production is anticipated to grow by 2.2% to reach 4,677.3kt, supported by planned increases in China, Mexico, Peru, Kazakhstan, India, Brazil, and Russia which will offset projected declines in the US and Poland.
Report Scope
- The report contains an overview of the global lead mining industry including key demand driving factors affecting the global lead mining industry. It provides detailed information on reserves, reserves by country, production, production by country, production by company, major operating mines, competitive landscape, major exploration and development projects.
Reasons to Buy
- To gain an understanding of the global lead mining industry, relevant driving factors
- To understand historical and forecast trend on global lead production
- To identify key players in the global lead mining industry
- To identify major active, exploration and development projects by region
Table of Contents
- Executive summary
- Reserves
- Lead production
- Competitive landscape
- Lead prices
- Major active mines
- Major development projects
- Major exploration projects
- Demand
- Appendix
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Vedanta Resources
- Glencore
- Teck Resources
- Newmont
- Industrias Penoles
- South32
- Boliden
- Volcan Compania Minera
- Nexa Resources
- Hecla Mining

