Smelter Maintenance and Production Resumptions Coexisted in April, Leading to a Slight Decline in Silver Production [[SMM Analysis]]

Published: May 7, 2025 08:47
According to SMM, in April 2025, silver production recorded a 1% MoM decline and a 0.94% YoY decline. The cumulative SMM 1# silver production for 2025 reached 5,961 mt.

According to SMM, in April 2025, silver production saw a 1% MoM decline and a 0.94% YoY decline. The cumulative SMM 1# silver production for 2025 reached 5,961 mt.

 

From March to April, some lead and zinc smelters underwent spring maintenance. Affected by the decline in anode slime production, silver production also decreased simultaneously. In terms of supply reduction in April, one smelter each in south China and south-west China experienced a decline in production. Meanwhile, some smelters also made slight adjustments to their silver output due to fluctuations in raw materials. In terms of production growth, smelters in Yunnan, Gansu, and other regions resumed maintenance, contributing significantly to silver production. A smelter in east China also slightly increased its non-mineral silver production.

 

Entering May, some copper smelters mentioned that the decline in processing fees for imported ore in May may affect the expectations for subsequent precious and rare metal recovery. However, the expected recovery of smelters in north China and Yunnan may offset the production reduction, and silver production in May is still expected to record a positive MoM growth.

》View SMM precious metal spot cargo quotes

 

 

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Silver price forecasts cut on weaker demand, higher mine supply with June target at $85 from $100
23 hours ago
Silver price forecasts cut on weaker demand, higher mine supply with June target at $85 from $100
Read More
Silver price forecasts cut on weaker demand, higher mine supply with June target at $85 from $100
Silver price forecasts cut on weaker demand, higher mine supply with June target at $85 from $100
Silver price forecasts across key horizons have been sharply cut by UBS, driven by subdued investment demand, weaker industrial usage, and climbing mine production.
23 hours ago
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
May 5, 2026 17:00
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
Read More
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
On May 5th, according to Reuters, an explosion occurred at Kazzinc’s site. Kazzinc said that it occurred during cleaning work on a smoke extraction system, followed by a fire and partial structural collapse. So far, emergency ministry said the fire had been extinguished. Kazzinc, owned by Glencore, has an annual production of roughly 250-300 kt of zinc, 100-150 kt of lead and around 87.5 kt of copper cathode. Kazzinc hasn't disclosed the specific impact. Based on currently available information, the incident mainly involved smoke extraction/dust-collection equipment, may cause temporary disruption to related operations. There is no evidence so far that the main zinc electrowinning line was damaged. Further updates needed on the scope of any cuts or suspensions and the repair timeline.
May 5, 2026 17:00
South32 Raises Hermosa Taylor Capex by Over 50%, Delays Production to 2028 H1
May 1, 2026 21:22
South32 Raises Hermosa Taylor Capex by Over 50%, Delays Production to 2028 H1
Read More
South32 Raises Hermosa Taylor Capex by Over 50%, Delays Production to 2028 H1
South32 Raises Hermosa Taylor Capex by Over 50%, Delays Production to 2028 H1
On April 30th, South32 raised the development cost estimate for the Taylor deposit at its Hermosa zinc-silver project in Arizona, US, and delayed the timeline. First-stage capital expenditure has increased by more than 50%, from $2.2 billion in the 2024 FS to $3.3 billion. First production has been delayed by one year to H2 FY2028, full production has also been pushed back to FY2031. Cost increase was mainly due to contractor underperformance, slower-than-expected construction productivity, scope changes, inflation, US tariffs and higher input costs. Progress on a key ventilation shaft is the main bottleneck now. But the company also noted that ore reserves at Taylor increased by 52%, mineral resources rose by 10%, extending the expected mine life from 28 years to around 33 years.
May 1, 2026 21:22
Smelter Maintenance and Production Resumptions Coexisted in April, Leading to a Slight Decline in Silver Production [[SMM Analysis]] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)