SHANGHAI, Apr. 9 (SMM) – Treatment charges (TCs) for domestic and imported lead concentrates diverged further in China, Shanghai Metals Market’s pricing data showed.

TCs for domestic lead concentrate continued to fall last week, to as low as 1,400-1,500 yuan ($227-243) per tonne while those for imported concentrate with low silver content ticked higher to between $125-140 per tonne.

China’s domestic lead concentrate supply would stay tight as mining and dressing operations at some mines in Yunnan province were restricted after environmental protection inspections, according to SMM’s research team. Cargo holders became less inclined to sell as a result.

At the same time, few trades of imported concentrate were reported due to low SHFE-LME lead price ratio and recent RMB depreciation.