Intensified air pollution grows cutbacks at Henan lead smelters

SHANGHAI, Nov 14 (SMM) – An estimated 300-400 mt of lead ingot output will be affected per day in Henan province as heavier air pollution drove some local lead smelters to step up cutbacks of 30% from Wednesday November 14. 

Signs of exacerbated winter smog prompted Henan authorities raise its pollution alert from yellow to orange – the second-highest level on a four-tier warning system, on November 14.  

Mills faced cuts of 10% from the start of the week, after local authorities on Monday issued a yellow alert for smog, SMM learned. 

From November 16, cold air from the north is expected to help ease the pollution, which will likely to lift the cuts.