“As an electro-intensive industry, Portovesme is highly dependent on competitive and stable electricity prices,” it said.
Soaring prices of natural gas, used for power generation and heating, as well as low renewable energy output and higher carbon prices, have caused power prices in Europe to spike this year.
The continent is growing increasingly reliant on coal to keep lights and heat on as temperatures continue to drop.
Glencore said its decision, which affects about 400 direct employees, will be periodically reviewed against the backdrop of the European energy market.
The other production areas that are less dependent on electricity consumption, such as
zinc recycling and lead production will continue to operate as usual, the company said.
Portovesme is the only Italian zinc and lead producer and is considered to be of national and strategic importance by the country’s government.
Global zinc production is estimated at about 14 million tonnes this year, with about half of that expected to come from China, the world’s largest producer.
The metal is mainly used to galvanise steel or iron – that is, to apply a zinc coating to stop it rusting. Galvanised steel is used in buildings, cars, white goods and electronics.
The strength and flexibility of zinc alloys mean they are widely used to create die casts for industrial uses, such as machine parts. Zinc is also used to make brass and bronze.
(With files from Reuters)
