Company Description
Nexa Resources S.A. (NYSE: NEXA) is a large-scale, low-cost, integrated polymetallic producer with zinc as its main product. According to the company’s disclosures, Nexa has operated for over 65 years in the mining and smelting (also described as mining and metallurgy) segments, with a focus on Latin America. The company is organized around mining and smelting activities and is recognized as one of the world’s leading zinc mining companies and among the top five global producers of mined and metallic zinc in 2024, based on data cited from Wood Mackenzie.
Core business and operations
Nexa’s business model combines polymetallic mining with zinc smelting. The company describes itself as an integrated producer, meaning it develops and operates mines that supply concentrates to its smelters, while also processing third-party feed materials. Its operations include both underground and open-pit mines, as well as smelting facilities that recover and refine zinc metal.
Nexa reports that it owns and operates five polymetallic mines: four long-life underground mines and one low-cost open-pit mine. Two of the underground mines and the open-pit mine are located in the Central Andes region of Peru, while two underground mines are in Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso. These mines produce zinc and other metals, such as copper, lead, silver and gold, in polymetallic ore bodies.
Smelting segment
On the smelting side, Nexa operates three zinc smelters. Two facilities are in Minas Gerais, Brazil (Três Marias and Juiz de Fora), and one is in Lima, Peru (Cajamarquilla). The company highlights Cajamarquilla as the largest zinc smelter in the Americas. These smelters process zinc concentrates and other feed materials to produce zinc metal and zinc oxide. Nexa’s public reports describe record production and sales volumes at these facilities in certain periods, emphasizing the role of smelting in its overall results.
Geographic footprint
Nexa states that it has operations in Brazil and Peru and offices in Luxembourg and the United States, and that it supplies products to every continent. The company’s registered office and SEC filings indicate that it is organized in Luxembourg. In addition, Nexa has pursued exploration and project interests in other regions, such as Namibia, where it held Exclusive Prospecting Licenses in the Otavi and Namibia North projects through a subsidiary before selling those licenses to Midnab Resources (a subsidiary of Midas Minerals).
Mining portfolio and projects
The company’s mines are described as long-life underground polymetallic operations plus a low-cost open-pit polymetallic mine. Nexa’s disclosures frequently reference specific mining complexes, such as the Cerro Pasco Complex in Peru (which includes the Atacocha and El Porvenir mines), the Cerro Lindo mine in Peru, and Brazilian operations such as Vazante and Aripuanã. These assets contribute to zinc output and by-product production of other metals.
Nexa also emphasizes an active exploration and brownfield drilling program. In its reports for the first half of 2025, the company describes a drilling strategy focused on near-mine expansion, brownfield and infill drilling, and greenfield exploration in Peru, Brazil and Namibia. Drilling results at targets such as Cerro Lindo (Orebody 8C), Aripuanã (Massaranduba), Vazante (Conexão Sucuri Norte) and El Porvenir (Integración) are presented as part of efforts to extend mine life and confirm mineralization continuity.
Strategic initiatives and portfolio optimization
Nexa’s public communications describe an ongoing portfolio optimization strategy. This includes evaluating risk-return alternatives across its asset base, prioritizing return-generating assets, and focusing on free cash flow and disciplined capital allocation. The sale of the Otavi and Namibia North project licenses in Namibia to Midnab Resources is presented as one step in this strategy, with Nexa retaining royalty rights and JOGMEC entitled to a portion of sale proceeds.
The company is also advancing the Cerro Pasco Integration Project in Peru. Phase I of this project focuses on upgrading tailings pumping and piping systems at the Atacocha and El Porvenir mines to improve operational efficiency and extend the life of the mine complex. Nexa reports progress on detailed engineering, equipment procurement, permitting, and construction activities for this project.
Corporate profile and listing
Nexa states that its shares have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NEXA since 2017. The company files annual reports under Form 20-F and furnishes interim information on Form 6-K as a foreign private issuer. Its majority shareholder is identified in company communications as Votorantim S.A.
The company’s SEC filings list its address in Luxembourg and confirm its status as a Form 20-F filer. Regular 6-K submissions include earnings releases, interim financial statements, exploration reports, and operational updates, reflecting the regulatory framework under which Nexa reports to investors.
ESG, safety and community engagement
Nexa’s disclosures place significant emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics. The company reports initiatives in safety, decarbonization, community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, and corporate governance. Examples include health campaigns for employees, investments in local infrastructure and education in communities near its mines, and social programs in Brazil under the Nexa Transforma platform.
On decarbonization, Nexa highlights recognition under the GHG Protocol Brazil program, projects such as a hybrid crushing plant at Cerro Lindo to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and the use of renewable hydroelectric energy at the Cajamarquilla smelter. The company also reports circular economy initiatives, such as producing eco-bricks from jarosite residue at its smelters, and implementing pilot plants to reduce waste.
Nexa also refers to AI-based and machine learning tools in its operations, for example, thermographic monitoring at Cerro Lindo to detect loose rocks and models at Cajamarquilla to predict concentrate quality parameters. These initiatives are presented as part of a broader focus on safety, process control and operational efficiency.
Financial and capital structure considerations
While specific financial figures change over time, Nexa’s communications describe a focus on disciplined capital allocation, sustaining investments, brownfield exploration, and liability management. The company has reported bond issuances to extend its debt maturity profile and tender offers or redemptions of existing notes as part of its financial strategy. Credit rating actions, such as the reaffirmation of an investment grade rating by a rating agency, are also noted in its releases.
Investors analyzing NEXA stock often review the company’s segment performance in mining and smelting, its exposure to zinc and by-product metals, and its capital projects such as the Cerro Pasco Integration Project. Nexa’s position among the top global zinc producers and its integrated mining–smelting structure are central elements of its profile.
Industry classification
Based on the provided classification, Nexa Resources S.A. is associated with the Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying industry within the broader Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector. Its own disclosures, however, describe its activities more specifically as polymetallic mining and zinc smelting, with zinc as the main product and other metals produced as by-products.
Key points for NEXA investors
- Large-scale, low-cost, integrated polymetallic producer with zinc as the main product.
- Operations centered on long-life underground and open-pit polymetallic mines in Peru and Brazil.
- Three zinc smelters, including Cajamarquilla in Lima, described as the largest smelter in the Americas.
- Among the top five global producers of mined and metallic zinc in 2024, according to Wood Mackenzie.
- Over 65 years of experience in mining and smelting in Latin America.
- Listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 2017 as a foreign private issuer filing Form 20-F and 6-K reports.
- Ongoing portfolio optimization, including divestment of certain exploration licenses and advancement of the Cerro Pasco Integration Project.
- Strong emphasis on ESG, safety, decarbonization, and community engagement in Brazil and Peru.
FAQs about Nexa Resources S.A. (NEXA)
- What does Nexa Resources S.A. do?
Nexa Resources S.A. is a large-scale, low-cost, integrated polymetallic producer with zinc as its main product. The company develops and operates polymetallic mines and zinc smelters, primarily in Brazil and Peru, and supplies its products to customers on every continent. - Where are Nexa’s main operations located?
According to the company, Nexa operates four long-life underground polymetallic mines and one low-cost open-pit polymetallic mine. Two underground mines and the open-pit mine are in the Central Andes region of Peru, and two underground mines are in Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso. Nexa also operates three smelters: Três Marias and Juiz de Fora in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Cajamarquilla in Lima, Peru. - What is Nexa’s primary product?
Nexa identifies zinc as its main product. It is described as one of the world’s leading zinc mining companies and was among the top five producers of mined zinc and metallic zinc globally in 2024, based on Wood Mackenzie data cited by the company. Nexa also produces other metals as part of its polymetallic operations. - How is Nexa classified by industry and sector?
In the provided classification, Nexa Resources S.A. is associated with the Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying industry within the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector. In its own communications, Nexa describes itself more specifically as a polymetallic mining and zinc smelting company. - On which exchange is NEXA stock listed?
Nexa states that its shares have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NEXA since 2017. As a foreign private issuer, it files annual reports on Form 20-F and furnishes interim information on Form 6-K to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. - What are Nexa’s main business segments?
The company’s public information describes two principal areas of activity: mining and smelting (also referred to as mining and metallurgy). Mining covers underground and open-pit polymetallic operations, while smelting covers facilities that recover and refine zinc metal and zinc oxide from concentrates and other feed materials. - What is the Cerro Pasco Integration Project?
The Cerro Pasco Integration Project is a strategic initiative in Peru that focuses on integrating and upgrading infrastructure at the Atacocha and El Porvenir mines within the Cerro Pasco Complex. Phase I centers on tailings pumping and piping systems to improve operational efficiency and support life-of-mine extension for the complex. - How does Nexa approach ESG and sustainability?
Nexa’s disclosures highlight initiatives in safety, decarbonization, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion. Examples include health campaigns for employees, investments in local infrastructure and education, decarbonization projects such as hybrid crushing plants and renewable energy use at smelters, circular economy initiatives using residues to make eco-bricks, and participation in responsible sourcing and emissions reporting programs. - What role do exploration and drilling play in Nexa’s strategy?
The company reports an active exploration program that includes near-mine expansion, brownfield and infill drilling, and greenfield exploration. Drilling campaigns in Peru, Brazil and Namibia are intended to confirm mineralization, expand existing ore bodies, and support potential extensions of mine life at key operations. - Who is Nexa’s majority shareholder?
In its public communications, Nexa states that its majority shareholder is Votorantim S.A. This ownership structure is part of the company’s corporate profile as presented to investors.