SHANGHAI, Dec 8 (SMM) — SMM data showed that China produced 290,000 mt of primary lead in November, up 9.82% from October, and up 6.86% from a year ago. For January- November, output increased 4.63% from the same period last year.

SMM survey showed that smelters such as Haicheng Chengxin, Western Mining and Yongning Gold and Lead resumed production from maintenance with significant overall increase in output. In addition, some smelters have increased production in November in order to complete the annual production and sales plan before year-end. Although there was limited production due to air pollution in Henan, only the crude refining link was affected. But production across the refining link remains stable so the current month's output is not affected.

Considering the annual production and sales plan, the production of most smelters remain stable from November. Meanwhile, smelters in Hunan resumed production. Yunnan Zhenxing and Jiangxi Jinde carried out production line maintenance, lasting for 7-15 days. Henan Xinling will turn into a one-month maintenance from mid-December. Primary lead output will decline slightly in December.

SMM expects China's primary lead output to reach 287,000 mt in December.