Zinc prices rose 45 paise to Rs 217.35 per kg in the futures trade on Thursday tracking a firm trend in physical markets on the back of a pick-up in the spot demand.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, zinc contracts for the February delivery traded higher by 45 paise, or 0.21 per cent, at Rs 217.35 per kg with a business turnover of 1,980 lots.

Marketmen said widening of positions by participants following a pick-up in demand from consuming industries kept zinc prices higher in futures trade.