Operating rates across primary lead smelters remain unchanged on week 

SHANGHAI, Mar 29 (SMM) – Chinese primary lead smelters maintained regular operation in the week ended Friday March 29, 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 averaged 58.7% in the week through March 29, flat from a week earlier. 

This week, primary smelters in Henan operated at an average rate of 73.5%, smelters in Yunnan at 36.9%, and Hunan smelters at 47.7%. 

Next week, the average operating rate in Henan is likely to rise, lifted by the recovery of Henan Xinling after maintenance. Yunnan Chihong Zinc & Germanium will enter maintenance in April, and this will offset part of the increase in overall output of lead ingot. 

SMM expects the higher production of lead ingot in April to grow pressure on lead prices.