India: Zinc scrap, dross prices stay range-bound amid firm supply, selective buying

• Local processor demand steady; zinc oxide buying picks up
• Buyers resist higher offers for zinc oxide, mid-sized Tukdi

India’s zinc scrap and dross market showed mixed but largely range-bound trends w-o-w, supported by steady inquiries and firm supply. Limited fluctuations were noted across regions, as buyers remained cautious and trades occurred within a narrow band. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,430/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, up by $10/t w-o-w.

At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $3,056/t, nearly unchanged from $3,054/t last week.

Zinc dross was assessed at INR 247,600/t ex-Delhi, down by INR 1,400/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices remained relatively firm at INR 243,000/t ex-works, reflecting localised market balance and steady processor demand.

According to market participants, zinc oxide (99% Zn) offers increased by INR 5,000/t to INR 240,000/t ex-Delhi, supported by renewed procurement from ceramics, rubber, and fertiliser industries. However, actual transactions were mostly heard around INR 237,000-238,000/t, as buyers resisted higher asking rates.

In north India, big-sized zinc scrap (Tukdi, 97% Zn) was offered at INR 250,000-251,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held in the INR 240,000-242,000/t range. Actual trades for mid-sized Tukdi settled closer to INR 238,000/t, indicating buyer pushback amid limited fresh demand.

Tata Steel IBMD’s zinc-related e-auctions

• Jamshedpur Unit: Auction of zinc dross, flux skimming, and zinc dust totalling 11.6 t on 7 November 2025, via Metaljunction.
• Shiv Sambhu Dhanbad Site: E-auction on 6 November 2025, offering 40 t of zinc ash, 7 t of zinc dust, and 5 t of zinc dross.
• Kalinganagar unit: Auction of 30 t zinc dross on 11 November 2025, via Metaljunction. The material will be sold on an “as-is-where-is” and “no-complaints” basis, with inspection scheduled for November 10.

Outlook

Zinc scrap and dross prices are expected to remain stable to slightly range-bound in the near term. While firm processor demand is expected to lend support, ample supply and cautious sentiment among zinc oxide producers may limit price gains. Market participants continue to track LME price cues, auction results, and import flows for short-term direction.