SHANGHAI, Dec 21 (SMM) — Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces lost 1.9 percentage points from the previous week to 59% in the week ended December 18, showed an SMM survey.
The average operating rate fell 2.7 percentage points to 75% in Henan as Xinling started maintenance. Henan Jinli operated at nearly full capacity as raw materials supply increased.
The average operating rate declined 2.7 percentage points to 49% in Hunan as Jinxin slightly cut output due to local electricity restrictions.
Stepped-up production at Yunnan Gejiu Chuangyuan lifted local operating rates by 1.1 percentage points to 35%.
![Open interest continued to pull back, pushing up lead prices, while spot lead performance limited the gains [Lead Futures Brief]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/riosq20251217171722.jpg)
