SHANGHAI, Mar 15 (SMM) – Chinese primary lead smelters maintained regular operation in the week ended Friday March 15, and this kept the average operating rate in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces unchanged on the week.

Operating rates across primary lead smelters in the three provinces stood at 56.4% in the week through March 15, unchanged from a week earlier. 

This week, primary smelters in Henan operated at an average rate of 69%, smelters in Yunnan at 36.9%, and Hunan smelters at 47.7%. 

Next week, the conclusion of the political sessions will drive suspended smelters in Henan and Hebei to restart. This is set to buoy overall operating rates of primary smelters and grow pressure on lead prices.