SHANGHAI  Jun.22 (CBI China)--Yunnan Tin announced on June 19th that its 100kt p.a. lead expansion project will break ground in July 2007.  If this expansion project keeps on schedule, the plant will reach optimal operating rates in 2008 but actual profit margins will depend heavily on raw material availability.

    With the help of an Ausmelt Furnace and other advanced technology, Yunnan Tin will be able to recycle 14,000kt tin and 800kt lead from waste residue every year.  Availability of raw materials from Yunnan Tin’s Australia and Indonesian mining operations will have significant impact on the success of this project.