With 20% of the world’s energy supply currently generated from renewable sources, the transition to cleaner power sources is underway. Looking ahead, the world needs to rethink how it generates, stores, and distributes energy to meet carbon reduction goals.

Zinc plays a huge part in this. Zinc is all around us, but before it ends up in your sunscreen or battery, it starts deep underground.

The Equation: Facts About Zinc

For some, zinc might seem like a secondary metal, but in reality, it is a powerhouse. It is an indispensable element with a key role touching every corner of the renewable energy sector. Zinc is one of the most versatile materials known to humankind, and the fourth most used metal in the world behind iron, aluminum, and copper.

According to the American Galvanizers Association, more than 11 million tons of zinc are consumed annually worldwide. Roughly 50 percent of the annual production, or approximately 5.5 million tons of zinc, is used for galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion. Galvanized coatings extend the life of iron and steel used in bridge rails, support beams, railway tracks, highway guard rails, and public transportation hubs, as well as offshore wind farms and ground-based solar installations.

And in Alaska, we love our boats pulled on trailers made of - you guessed it - galvanized steel.

Zinc is also used in the design of high-energy rechargeable batteries capable of powering cell phone towers. With its superior ability to protect metals against corrosion and a growing role in energy storage, many experts are touting the qualities of mined zinc as essential in the evolving renewable energy landscape.

Zinc Powers An Energy Transition

As energy transitions gather pace, mined zinc is one of the critical connectors:

The International Zinc Association forecasts that 66,000 tons of zinc will be consumed for wind energy alone by 2030
A 10 MW offshore wind turbine requires 4 tons of zinc
A 100 MW solar panel park - capable of supplying power to 110,000 homes - requires 240 tons of zinc

Zinc mining helps meet the growing demand for stable, long-duration power. Supplying that future depends on reliable access to raw zinc, which is something Alaska mining can provide.

The Alaska Factor in Zinc Mining

The top two largest producing zinc mines in the United States are located in Alaska: Red Dog Mine near Kotzebue and Hecla Greens Creek Mine near Juneau.

According to Statista, Alaska is by far the most important U.S. state for zinc production.

Did You Know? Red Dog Mine is the first mining site to receive the stand-alone Zinc Mark (2024) in recognition of environmentally and socially responsible production practices.

Given zinc’s versatility and abundant availability, mining is good for Alaska, the state. It is recognized for its environmental care and is primed to play a significant role in securing a more sustainable future.

Why Zinc Mining Powers More Than You Think

Energy demand keeps climbing. Batteries, solar power systems, wind farms—they all lean on zinc to store power, resist corrosion, and keep working longer. That demand ramps it up.

Zinc doesn’t grow on trees. It comes from mines. Recycling covers part of the need, but not enough to supply next-gen power grids and backup systems built to last.

Mining is good for Alaska. The state holds some of the richest zinc deposits in the world. That gives Alaska a real part in shaping cleaner, more reliable energy systems, while also supporting local jobs and economies.

Zinc mined in Alaska moves into homes, cities, and hospitals, where it keeps lights on, batteries charged, and systems running. It’s not just a building material. It’s part of the power source. Mining makes that possible.

Resources:

Mining-technology.com

Zinc.org

Feeco.com

Visualcapitalist.com