[SMM survey] Mines and beneficiation plants are producing as planned, with relatively stable production of iron ore concentrates

Published: May 19, 2025 14:00

Save

According to the latest data from SMM, the capacity utilisation rate of domestic mines reached 59.3% last week, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous week. The production of iron ore concentrates rose to 792,000 mt, up 5,000 mt WoW, while sales volume stood at 777,000 mt, down 40,000 mt WoW. Meanwhile, the inventory of ore concentrates at mines increased by 15,000 mt, bringing the total inventory to 260,000 mt.

According to the latest data from SMM, the capacity utilization rate of domestic mines reached 59.3% last week, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous week. Production of iron ore concentrates rose to 792,000 mt, increasing by 5,000 mt WoW. Sales volume was 777,000 mt, decreasing by 40,000 mt WoW. Meanwhile, the inventory of iron ore concentrates at mines increased by 15,000 mt, with the total inventory reaching 260,000 mt. Currently, mines are operating normally as planned, with the production of iron ore concentrates remaining relatively stable. According to SMM's market tracking, feedback indicates that the cost-effectiveness of domestically produced iron ore concentrates has declined, and the overall willingness to sell is weak. The overall inventory of mines in the Hebei and Shandong regions has slightly increased, with some mines formulating sales promotion plans. Looking ahead to this week, the intensity of land and safety inspections in the Liaoning region has once again increased, which may have a certain impact on local production. Overall, the production of iron ore concentrates may decline further.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

21 hours ago

Before the holiday, the black chain is unlikely to see a trend-driven market [SMM Steel Industry Chain Weekly Report].

This week, ferrous metals were in the doldrums, with coking coal and coke staging a mid-week rise. At the beginning of the week, financial markets experienced sharp fluctuations, dragging down sentiment in the ferrous chain and leading to a pullback in futures. Mid-week, Indonesia's cut to coke production quotas drove coking coal and coke futures to lead the gains, though the impact was more pronounced on thermal coal, while coking coal's rise was largely sentiment-driven and short-lived. In the latter part of the week, finished products continued their seasonal inventory buildup, and support from the raw material side weakened, causing the entire ferrous chain to pull back. In the spot market, with the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, purchasing activity slowed down further, with end-users only making limited, as-needed purchases at low prices.

21 hours ago

22 hours ago

MMi Daily Iron Ore Report (February 6)

Today, the DCE iron ore futures continued to hit bottom today, with the most-traded contract I2605 closing at 760.5 yuan/mt, down 1.23% from the previous trading day. Spot prices fell by 5–10 yuan/mt compared to the previous trading day.

22 hours ago

[SMM Chromium Daily Review] Inquiries and Transactions Weakened, Chromium Market Showed Mediocre Performance Before the Holiday

[SMM Chrome Daily Review: Trading and Inquiries Weakened, Chrome Market Showed Mediocre Performance Before the Holiday] February 6, 2026: Today, the ex-factory price of high-carbon ferrochrome in Inner Mongolia was 8,500-8,600 yuan/mt (50% metal content), flat MoM from the previous trading day...

22 hours ago