SHANGHAI, Nov 9 (SMM) — Operating rates at domestic iron ore mines in October rose 0.7 percentage point from September, with operating rates at private mines 0.4 percentage point higher and 1.1 percentage points higher at state-owned mines.

Operating rates fell in Shandong, but rose across other regions. operating rates in Shanxi rose 4.4 percentage points in October, the most significant gain, driven by the completion of maintenance at one big mine, which resumed full operation and significant output increase at another big state-run mines after environmental inspections.

High profits drove mines to step up or restart production and maintenance at mine sin north China was shortened or ended, increasing output in other regions in October. However, concentrates output at some of the mines decreased as explosive restrictions during National Day holidays caused ROM shortages.

SMM expects a slight decline in operating rates in November. Mines in Hebei and Shanxi are likely to implement off-peak hours production in November and some of the small mines in north-east, north-west and north China will halt production due to the seasonal factor amid the cold weather.

Operating rates at domestic mines rose 0.7% in October

Source: SMM

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