SHANGHAI, May 14 (SMM) — Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces increased 3.7 percentage points from the previous week to 57.7% in the week ended May 14, showed an SMM survey.

Henan Yuguang Gold and Lead returned to normal production; Jiyuan Hongyang Lead conduced maintenance for about ten days at the start of May, and slightly cut output this week, and will return to normal operation next week; Jinli Gold and Lead completed maintenance this week, and is expected to return to normal production next week; Hunan Yuteng recovered from maintenance this week and slightly ramped up production; Yunnan Chihong completed maintenance and resumed part of production; Liaoning Haicheng started maintenance this week and is likely to suspend production for 20 days, which will reduce its monthly output by about 5,000 mt.