Lead downstream production limited on pollution warnings in Hebei

SHANGHAI, Mar 2 (SMM) – Automotive storage battery producers in Hebei province have received notices that require them to cut 30% of production in a response to heavily-polluted weather, SMM learned.

While the industry was expecting a gradual output recovery at lead-acid battery plants after Chinese New Year, such restrictions would see production affected. It is unclear when the restrictions would be lifted.

The notices were issued over the past week following a warning that the region would experience heavy pollution from February 27 to March. The warning was issued by China National Environmental Monitoring Centre and local environment monitoring centres around Hebei.

Cities including Baoding, Xingtai, Tangshan, and Langfang have all initiated responses to the pollution, requiring local manufacturing plants to cut production and reduce air pollutant emissions by at least 20%. Other restrictions include imposing a 50% cutback for nonferrous metal smelting industry.  

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