Zinc Prices Surge as Trafigura’s Nyrstar Budel Smelter to Halt Production

Nyrstar's Budel zinc smelter in the Netherlands.

Archie Hunter and

Eddie Spence

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Zinc surged after one of Europe's largest smelters said it would halt production next month as the continent's energy crisis threatens to hobble heavy industries.

The Budel smelter in the Netherlands -- controlled by Trafigura Group's Nyrstar -- will be placed on care and maintenance from Sept. 1 "until further notice," according to a company statement. Zinc trading on the London Metal Exchange jumped as much as 7.2% to the highest intraday level in two months as traders priced in even tighter supply.