Assessing mineral supply concentration from different perspectives through a case study of zinc

Abstract Increasing demand for nonfuel mineral commodities has increased concerns regarding the reliability of their supplies. “Criticality” assessments over past decade have attempted to capture this concern through a set indicators, most common which quantifies risk associated with market concentration by applying Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) world production given commodity country in year. Although approach is useful, it inherently assumes that all available and thus potentially at risk. In analysis, HHI, as well HHI weighted governance, calculated mined refined zinc via standard including data comparing when using best estimate what market. The results indicate although both markedly decade, remained relatively constant low, indicative minimal supply This mainly owing fact large increasing share world’s comes from China, but supplies domestic consumption small amounts exports. As result, materials are produced diverse countries. these analyses specific zinc, they likely be comparable other largest producers also consumers highlight importance examining different perspectives criticality assessments.