The average capacity utilisation rate of mines in south-west China rose slightly in February, mainly contributed by production resumption at mines and production ramp-up by one state-run mine.

SMM reported that the price for platinum dropped 4 yuan/g to 222-224 yuan/g on March 8, with the average price of 223 yuan/g.

The discounts in Shandong improved last week, rallying from 310 yuan/mt early last week to 230 yuan/mt.

SMM reported that the price for #1 copper cathode dipped 525 yuan/mt to 69,270-69,410 yuan/mt on Mar 3.

SMM understood that sellers refrained from selling at large discounts yesterday without cash flow issues and the contango of SHFE March contract against SHFE April contract. Most of them held onto their cargoes.

The prices of tin concentrate declined 4,500 yuan/mt on February 24 across major markets including Yunnan, Guangxi, Jiangxi and Hunan.

As of February 23, the prices of standard #553 silicon stood at 17,000-17,200 yuan/mt in east China, flat from a week earlier. Above-standard #553 silicon prices also remained flat at 17,400-17,600/mt.

Silicon metal prices held stable this week. As of February 23, the prices of standard #553 silicon stood at 17,000-17,200 yuan/mt in east China, flat from a week earlier. Above-standard #553 silicon prices remained flat at 17,400-17,600/mt. Prices for #421 silicon stood at 19,100-19,300 yuan/mt, flat from a week earlier. Prices for #3303 silicon were 18,700-18,900 yuan/mt, flat from a week earlier.

SMM reported that the prices of #1 refined nickel rose sharply by 6,400 yuan/mt to 213,900-217,000 yuan/mt on February 21.

During the day, SMM 1# lead prices continued to fall, the discounts of smelters remained unchanged compared with yesterday.