Weekly primary lead smelters operating rate unchanged at 58.6%

SHANGHAI, Sep 12 (SMM) – The average operating rate across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces unchanged from the previous week, at 58.6% between September 9-12, showed an SMM survey.

The respective rates for the three regions held stable, 78.5% for Henan, 30.2% for Yunnan and 43.3% for Hunan.

Primary lead smelters kept production stable as profit margins improved on higher lead concentrate treatment charges for both domestic and imported materials.

Meanwhile, secondary lead smelters also saw great improvement in margins. This boosted supplies of secondary lead, widening the discount against primary materials.

Primary lead smelters had to lower their premiums to attract buyers. Most buyers are likely to turn to secondary lead, if the discount further widens.