Operating rates of primary lead smelters declined slightly this week

SHANGHAI, Jun 4 (SMM) – Operating rates across licensed smelters of primary lead in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan averaged 50.9% in the week ended June 4, down 0.12 percentage point from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

Henan Shibin increased production slightly. Hunan Chenzhou Xiongfeng maintained normal production of crude lead, and the production of refined lead may start from July. Hunan Yuteng will slightly reduce production in June, and Gejiu Tongfu will resume part of the output amid eased power rationing. Hunan Zhihui reduced production in May, and will resume work to normal in June. Yunnan Hongqian suspended production for maintenance this week. Yunnan Zhengxing is expected to resume the production of crude lead next week, and the refined lead production was recovered this Wednesday. West Mining resumed part of the output in late May, and is expected to fully resume production in June.