- Demand from local processors sustains zinc dross tags
- Stable supply keeps price movements in a narrow band
India’s zinc scrap and dross market showed mixed trends w-o-w in a narrow range amid steady inquiries and firm supply, which limited significant price movements. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,415/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, down by $15/t w-o-w.
At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $3,082/t, up by $26/t from $3,056/t last week.
Zinc dross was assessed at INR 249,500/t ex-Delhi, up by INR 1,900/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices were relatively firm at INR 245,000/t ex-works, reflecting localised stability in trade. Overall, demand was stable from local processors.
According to market participants, zinc oxide (99% Zn) offers increased by INR 2,000/t w-o-w to INR 242,000/t ex-Delhi, supported by renewed procurement from the ceramics, rubber, and fertiliser industries. However, actual transactions were mostly heard around INR 237,000-239,000/t, as buyers resisted higher asking rates.
In north India, big-sized zinc scrap (Tukdi, 97% Zn) was offered at around INR 251,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held steady at INR 240,000/t. However, actual buying interest for mid-sized Tukdi was mostly heard in the INR 236,000/t range, indicating buyer resistance to elevated offers.
India’s zinc scrap imports increase in Oct’25
India’s zinc scrap imports rose to 10,446 t in October 2025, up 40% from 7,476 t in October 2024. Imports also increased 14% m-o-m compared with 9,188 t in September 2025. The rise indicates stronger domestic demand from secondary zinc producers amid higher refined product prices and stable downstream galvanising activity.
Rashmi Metaliks to auction zinc dust lots
Rashmi Metaliks Limited will conduct an e-auction via mjunction services on 18 November 2025 for 75 t of zinc dust — 50-t heavy and 25-t light — from its Kharagpur plant. Buyers must hold valid PCB authorisation and submit documents two days before the auction. Materials are sold on an “as-is-where-is” basis, and inspection is advised.
Outlook
Zinc scrap and dross prices are likely to remain range-bound in the near term. Stable consumption from local processors will provide support, while firm supply and cautious buying sentiment may cap upside potential. Movements in LME zinc and import flows will guide market direction in the coming weeks.
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