Primary lead smelters maintained stable operations despite ore shortages

SHANGHAI, Apr 24 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 53.8% in the week ended April 24, unchanged from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

The average operating rate has stayed at that level for four weeks, while respective rates for the three regions remained steady, standing at 65.9% in Henan, 38% in Yunnan and 43.5% in Hunan.

Stable smelting operations came despite tight ore supply in Inner Mongolia and Henan.

Anhui Tongguan will begin routine maintenance next week.