Relocated zinc capacity of Hunan Zhuzhou Smelter begins operation

SHANGHAI, Dec 26 (SMM) – Hunan Zhuzhou Smelter Group's phase-one zinc project, with a capacity of 300,000 mt, commenced production in the Shuikoushan copper-lead-zinc industrial base on the morning of December 26, SMM learned. 

The project is an upgrade from the smelter's previous outdated capacity in urban plants. New technologies and facilities were adopted, and the company planned to cut sulphur dioxide emission by more than 15,000 mt/year, and to reduce the discharge of heavy metals, SMM learned. 

The smelter began relocation a year ago. Relocation will reduce outdated zinc smelting capacity by 550,000 mt, and lead smelting capacity by 100,000 mt in Hunan.

On December 21, SMM reported that Shuikoushan copper-lead-zinc, as the biggest domestic investment project by China Minmetals, was designed with 300,000 mt of copper capacity, 300,000 mt of zinc, and 100,000 mt of lead per year.