LONDON, Aug. 24 -- The world refined lead market was in a 50,000-metric ton surplus in the first half of 2010, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group said Tuesday.

This compares with a 87,000-ton surplus in the first half of 2009.

World refined lead production during the period totaled 4.285 million tons, up 0.8% from 4.252 million tons in the same period in 2009.

World refined lead consumption was 4.235 million tons, up 1.7% on the year from 4.165 million tons.

World lead mine production was 1.980 million tons, up 12% from 1.766 million tons in the same period a year ago.