Location: Northfleet Sector: Manufacturing Contact: www.xstrata.com

Britannia Refined Metals is a part of Xstrata Zinc, one of the business units of the globally diversified mining group Xstrata Plc. Based at Northfleet on the River Thames, the refinery employs 162 people in a range of roles including metallurgists, environmentalists, chemists, and engineers.  

From their Northfleet site, the River Thames provides a convenient method for receiving and shipping bulk commodities. The location provides ease of access to continental Europe and London, where the bulk of the material is sold. Britannia is capable of producing over 200,000 tonnes of refined lead and in excess of 500 tonnes of silver per annum. They are able to offer an extensive range of refined lead and lead alloys.

Britannia is a major employer in the Kent Thameside area, takes an active role in the community and is committed to its progressive development.  

“Britannia is committed to a programme of continuous investment in its future and the local community. In addition, we have always been conscious of our role in protecting the environment, with state of the art abatement technology and good controls. The long term growth of Britannia is dependent on it being strategically located within a strong and thriving community that can provide well educated and trained employees and top quality local suppliers who can support our business needs. We are totally committed to the Thames Gateway project and the regeneration of the area.” Neil Wardle, General Manager, Britannia Refined Metals.