SHANGHAI, Nov 16 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 44.7% in the week through November 16, down 4.3 percentage points from the previous week, SMM data showed.

Smelters in Henan operated lower at 59.2% this week as those who operated in high gear extended production curbs on heavy pollution alerts. The limitations on some smelters expanded to 20-30% from 10%.

Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Hunan also fell this week as the second round of environmental probes by the central government forced some local small smelters to suspend operation and to undertake maintenance. Large smelters across the region have yet to feel the impact from the environmental inspections.

Primary lead smelting capacity across Henan, Hunan and Yunnan accounted for some 70% of capacity across China.