- Demand from local processors sustains zinc dross tags
- Stable supply keeps price movements in narrow range
India’s zinc scrap and dross market was largely stable w-o-w amid steady inquiries and firm supply, with prices showing mixed trends in a narrow band. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,295/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, down by $5/t w-o-w.
At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $2,873/t, down by $15/t from $2,888/t last week.
Zinc dross was assessed at INR 230,000/t ex-Delhi, up by INR 1,000/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices held steady at INR 225,000/t ex-works, supported by ongoing demand from local processors.
According to one trader, procurement from zinc oxide users remained subdued, with offers in the INR 218,000-220,000/t ex-Delhi range, reflecting limited uptake from sectors such as rubber, chemicals, and ceramics.
In north India, big-sized zinc scrap (Tukdi, 97% Zn) was offered at around INR 230,000-232,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held at INR 218,000-220,000/t. Actual buying interest was mostly around INR 217,000/t, indicating resistance to higher offers.
Tata Steel zinc-related e-auctions
Tata Steel is organising several zinc-related e-auctions in September 2025. On 11 September, 25 t of zinc dross from Sahibabad and another 25 t from Jamshedpur CGL will be auctioned through dynamic seal-bid. Additionally, 30 t of zinc ash and 12 t of flux skimming from the Jamshedpur Tube Division will also be available on the same day. On 12 September, Tata Steel will auction 15 t of zinc ash and 5 t of zinc dross from the Shiv Sambhu unit in Dhanbad using rank-based dynamic seal-bid bidding. These auctions offer traders competitive opportunities to acquire zinc by-product materials.
Outlook
Zinc scrap and dross prices are expected to remain stable in the near term. Ongoing consumption from local processors is providing support, while subdued demand from zinc oxide users and ample availability of material may cap further gains. Global cues from LME stocks and shifting trade dynamics will be key in guiding the market direction over the coming weeks.
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