Zinc is a blue-gray, metallic element, with atomic symbol Zn. Zinc is the fourth most common metal in use, trailing only iron, aluminium, and copper. Zinc ores contain 5 -15% zinc. Over 95% of the world’s zinc is produced from zinc blende (ZnS). About 70% of the world’s zinc originates from mining, while the remaining 30% comes from recycling secondary zinc.

Asia, Europe and America are the major regions for zinc production. Zinc is mined mostly in China, Australia, Peru, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the US. China is the largest producer of Zinc mine output with 30% contribution to total output. Global zinc production has seen a significant growth in last few years on rising demand from the construction industry. China is the largest zinc consuming country in the world. Other major zinc consumers are Europe, United States, Japan and Korea.

India accounts for 4% of total zinc production in the world. India is one of the fastest growing regions of zinc consumption in the world. Zinc consumption in the last years has increased in India. Growth in steel sector is the main factor behind the rise in domestic consumption as 70 percent of India’s zinc use is accounted by steel galvanizing. Hindustan Zinc Ltd. is India's largest producer of zinc. All the major zinc ore mines in India viz. Rampura Agucha, Rajpura Dariba and Zawar mines are located in the state of Rajasthan.