Primary lead operating rates declined due to insufficient raw materials

SHANGHAI, Jun 18 (SMM) - Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces lost 1.55 percentage points from the previous week to 59.3% in the week ended June 18, showed an SMM survey.
Henan Shibin reduced production slightly, and Shuikoushan Jinxin may reduce production next week, both due to the insufficient stocks of raw materials. Shuikoushan Zhihui fully resumed operation this week, and the production was slightly increased. Mengzi Mining and Metallurgy suspended production. Chifeng Shanjin has cut production by over 100 mt/day this week, and will start a maintenance for 20 days from June 20. Jiangxi Copper Group reduced production by 20% this week. Quotations of crude and refined lead stood high as lead prices dropped in the mid-week, and the cost for smelters to stock raw materials was relatively high. The operating rates of refined lead smelters dropped slightly amid insufficient raw materials.