The Average Operating Rate Fell Only Slightly as the Refined Lead Smelters Produced Stably

SHANGHAI, Aug 1 (SMM) - According to SMM research, the average operating rate across primary lead smelters across three provinces was 54.98% last week (July 23-July 29), down 1.17% from a week ago.

The operating rates in Henan remained stable last week. In Hunan province, Shuikoushan Jinxin did not resume the production from overhaul and the resumption was delayed to early-August, which may lower the total output by 1,500 mt in July. The operating rates of refined lead in Yunnan were flat from the week before. Hongqian resumed the production last Thursday, but there was no output last week and the products are expected to came out in a small amount this week. Mengzi resumed the production to normal level after overhaul last week, hence the output increased in July. In addition, Chifeng Shanjin resumed the full production of refined lead last week, thus the output of refined lead increased on the week. Danxia Smelter of Zhongjin Lingnan Nonferrous Metals had no plan for mass production and sales due to factors such as the treatment of raw material impurities. Xing'an Silver and Lead planned to overhaul for one month from early-August to early-September.