Environmental probes to deter secondary smelters from recovering output

SHANGHAI, Sep 19 (SMM) – Some secondary lead smelters without production license in Henan province are likely to continue their suspension of output this month as the provincial environmental protection bureau would kick off a round of probes over hazardous wastes businesses during September 18-30, SMM expects.

Transportation and treatment of battery scarps are also expected to face more rigorous scrutiny.

The environmental protection bureau’s another week-long round of inspections over polluting enterprises across the province, starting from September 13, shuttered those secondary lead smelters. This impacted secondary lead supply by 300-400 mt per day. Some local refiners told SMM that secondary lead supply was tight last week. Such shortage eased this week thanks to resources outside the province.