SHANGHAI, Jul. 17 (SMM) – TCs for Chinese lead concentrate (Pb 50%) grew 100 yuan per tonne (Pb content) to 1,900-2,100 yuan per tonne (Pb content) this week, SMM reported.

Many domestic lead smelters stepped TCs up and some even raised 400 yuan per tonne (Pb content) to 2,400 yuan per tonne (Pb content).

TCs for Lead Concentrate in Different Regions 

Sluggish end-user demand depressed operating rate at lead smelters and thus those smelters’ demand for concentrate also dropped. This allowed smelters to require higher TCs.

The rising TCs and weak lead and silver prices forced some ore suppliers turned unwilling to sell, but most mines sold as normal, SMM stated.

Profits for imported concentrate narrowed 330 yuan per tonne (Pb content) to 770 yuan per tonne (Pb content) versus domestic materials this week, but imports still leave room open for large profits. Thus, Imports will thus still knock domestic concentrate market, driving supply up in market.

Mainstream TCs for imported concentrate (Pb 60%, Ag < 1,000 g) quoted $175-190 per dry metric tonne.

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