SHANGHAI, May 22 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 52.3% in the week ended May 22, unchanged from a week ago as smelters maintained stable operations, showed an SMM survey.
The respective rates for Henan, Hunan and Yunnan stood at 63.8%, 45% and 33.6%, flat from the previous week.
Anhui Tongguan smelter concluded maintenance and resumed output this week. Yunnan Chihong and Hunan Shuikoushan plan for overhauls in the near future.

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