SHANGHAI, Nov 1 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 57.7% in the week ending November 1, unchanged for a second straight week, according to a SMM survey.

The respective rates were stable at 70.2% for Henan, 43.8% for Yunnan, and 43.3% for Hunan.

Anti-smog production curbs across northern regions had little impact on primary lead smelters in Henan, while smelters in other regions maintained stable production in the second half of the year as they had undertaken routine maintenance earlier in the year.

Capacity utilisation rates across primary lead smelters are likely to pick up, as higher treatment charges for lead concentrate have improved smelter margins.