SHANGHAI, Apr 10 (SMM) – China’s production of primary lead gained 14.48% from February to stand at 257,700 mt in March as smelters recovered from the Chinese New Year holiday or maintenance, showed an SMM survey.

The longer month of March also grew production.

Henan Xinling remained under maintenance. Repairs at Hunan Yuteng and Silver Star ended, and operations recovered last month.

Production for February was raised to 225,100 mt from the previously reported 225,000 mt.

In January-March, primary lead production amounted to 756,800 mt, up 7.34% from a year earlier.

March’s output was up 5.83% from a year ago as a slew of smelters, including Yuguang, Wanyang, Nanfang, Jiangxi Copper and Humon, undertook maintenance in March 2018 for up to 45 days. Heavy smog also affected production in Henan in March 2018.

Output of primary lead is unlikely to change from March in April, standing at 256,000 mt, as the impact of maintenance across Anhui Tongguan, Yunnan Chihong and Chifengshan Gold, Silver & Lead will be offset by the restart of Henan Xinling.