Primary lead smelters operating rates rose slightly on week

SHANGHAI, Apr 16 (SMM) — Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces rose slightly from the previous week to 59.5% in the week ended April 16, showed an SMM survey.

Henan Yuguang Gold & Lead started maintenance this week, while Xinling Lead slightly ramped up production. Hunan Chenzhou Xiongfeng’s refined lead production lines remained suspended, while crude lead lines operated normally, and Jingui Silver slightly stepped up production. Yunnan Hongqian Nonferrous Metals cut output slightly due to shortages of raw materials, and Gejiu Chuangyuan recovered production partly and will return to normal production next week. Gejiu Tongfu recovered from maintenance this week.