SHANGHAI, Feb. 12 (SMM) – Average utilization rate at 46 major domestic zinc smelters was 84.73% in January, down 1.58 percentage points month-on-month, Shanghai Metals Market’s survey finds.  

Unit maintenance at some smelters was the major reason behind the slight decline in rate, and most smelters held utilization rates stable, according to SMM survey.  

The rate at major Chinese zinc smelters is expected to drop slightly to 83.22% in February, due mainly to the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday in mid February, SMM foresees.