SHANGHAI, Nov 27 (SMM) – Operating rates across licensed smelters of secondary lead in Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and Guizhou averaged 50% in the week ended November 27, unchanged from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

Henan Jinli reducing output due to shortage of raw materials dragged down local operating rates by 7.7 percentage points to 69.1%.

The average operating rate in Guizhou gained 7.9 percentage points week on week to 60.8% as Sanhe ramped up production and Yongxin recovered from maintenance.

The average operating rates in Anhui and Jiangsu remained unchanged at 47.1% and 33.3% respectively this week.

Apart from surveyed smelters, Henan Jinhui trimmed output again this week as Henan issued orange alerts for air pollution, and some smelters in Inner Mongolia remained suspended as local transport has yet to recover completely.

Operating rates at secondary lead smelters are expected to increase next week as the battery scrap shortage at Henan Jinli has eased, Guizhou Jinlong returned to normal production from maintenance and transport in Inner Mongolia has gradually recovered.