SHANGHAI, Sept. 7 (SMM) –Operating rates at Chinese primary lead smelters averaged 65.26% in August, up 4.71 percentage points from July and recording this year’s new high, SMM noted.

A large amount of lead smelters restarted operation in August. Total lead production increased 7,000 tonnes at large smelters as Henan Yuguang Gold & Lead and Hunan’s Jingui Silver Industry recovered from maintenance. Many mid-sized smelters also resumed operation, including Yuteng Nonferrous Metals, Chifeng Shanjin Silver & Lead and Jiangxi Jinde Lead Industry. Those smelters contributed production totaling 10,000 tonnes.

Sufficient supply of lead concentrate also helped to drive up operating rate at primary lead smelters. Lead concentrate TCs already hit 2,100-2,300 yuan per tonne (Pb concentrate) in August. Imported concentrate enjoys price edge over domestic concentrate, boosting purchase by lead smelters. 

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