Operating rates at lead-acid battery makers rise on week

[Secondary Lead Market Update] A secondary lead supplier in Central China indicated that there is no price spread between secondary refined lead and primary lead supplies, and both are currently at parity with the SMM #1 lead average price ex-factory. Meanwhile, due to weak procurement demand from downstream enterprises, there were no transactions in the morning.

Silverco Mining announced the mobilization of underground mining contractors at its wholly owned Cusi property in Chihuahua, Mexico, marking a critical milestone in the mine's restart plan. The company has appointed local experienced firms Mafrissa and Rencer to handle underground development and production mining across the Promontorio and San Miguel zones, respectively. Located in the Sierra Madre Occidental belt, the Cusi Complex is a historically productive underground mine renowned for its rich silver, lead, zinc, and gold deposits. Silverco expects the first ore from the Promontorio zone late in Q3 2026, while a new portal and ramp will be constructed at the San Miguel zone to ramp up production in H1 2027. CEO Mark Ayranto noted that with underground work and mill rehabilitation currently underway, the company remains strictly on schedule to produce its first concentrate in Q4 2026 and exit the year with two producing polymetallic mines in Mexico.

Russia has officially extended its temporary sulphur export ban until December 31, 2026, according to Government Decree No. 785 signed on June 25, 2026. The ban was originally set to expire on June 30. The restriction continues to cover liquid, granular and lump sulphur. The Russian government stated that the move aims to prioritise domestic fertiliser production and safeguard national food security. Exemptions apply to exports destined for Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states (including Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc.), as well as Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Sulphur shipments for humanitarian aid and international transit are also permitted under special licenses. The impact of the ban and broader market conditions has weighed on domestic output: Russia's industrial gaseous sulphur production fell 19% year-on-year to 1.75 million tonnes in January-May 2026.