[SMM Flash News] Due to the scarcity of water resources in north-west China, local governments have implemented a system to control the total volume and intensity of water usage. As summer temperatures rise, evaporation increases, and agricultural water demand rises, industrial water usage is subject to stricter restrictions. Against this backdrop, a secondary lead smelter in north-west China is planning to suspend production recently due to multiple factors such as a sluggish market, shortage of raw materials, and water usage restrictions. SMM predicts that the smelter's production in August will decline significantly, affecting the national lead production by 5,000-10,000 mt.