China's refined zinc output rises to record monthly high in Sep

SHANGHAI, Oct 11 (SMM) – China's production of refined zinc continued its increases and hit a record monthly high in September, as smelters ramped up raw materials feeding and postponed maintenance to chase higher margins. 

SMM data showed that about 515,700 mt of refined zinc was produced across China last month, up 3.3% from August and up 15.43% from September 2018. Surveyed capacity remained unchanged at 6.085 million mt/year. Production in January-September amounted to 4.25 million mt, up 7.08% from the same period last year. 

Smelting companies of Hanzhong, Hunan Zhuzhou, and Sihuan raised production slightly in September; Hechi Nanfang, Chifeng NFC, and Xing’an Copper & Zinc restarted from maintenance and contributed to a greater share of the output growth. 

With resumed producers further stepping up production, domestic output of refined zinc is expected to grow 1.09% on the month and 13.5% on the year to 521,300 mt in October. Output in January-October will expand 7.75% from a year ago.