Tight supply underpins scrap battery prices, next week to observe changes in smelter procurement sentiment [SMM Scrap Battery Weekly Review]

Published: Aug 7, 2026 17:25

Save

SMM, August 7:

The scrap battery market remained largely stable this week, with purchase quotes from some smelters edging up slightly. A mid-week rise in SHFE lead prices triggered a brief recovery in market sentiment, prompting recyclers to sell into the strength, before the market returned to a cautious, wait-and-see mode. Losses at smelters and weak secondary lead transactions curbed raw material procurement appetite, suppressing both scrap battery purchasing volumes and the acceptance of high bids. However, limited growth in social supply lent support to prices. Next week, scrap battery prices are expected to remain steady with a mild upward bias. Attention should be paid to inventory changes in secondary lead, adjustments in smelter operating rates, and the fulfillment of demand expectations during the traditional peak season. If a marginal improvement in lead ingot consumption drives a rebound in lead prices, scrap battery prices are likely to follow in tandem.

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 for 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

1 hour ago

Contango Completes Camp-to-Portal Road and Bridges at Johnson Tract Polymetallic Project

Contango Silver & Gold announced that it had completed the camp-to-proposed-portal road, bridges and portal pad at its Johnson Tract polymetallic project in Alaska. Geotechnical drilling along the proposed coastal access road and barge facility easements has also been completed. Most environmental and cultural baseline studies are substantially complete, while permitting for the coastal road and barge facilities remains underway. The JT deposit has an existing indicated resource of 3.489 million tonnes grading 5.21% zinc and 0.67% lead, containing 400.8 million lb of zinc and 51.5 million lb of lead, alongside gold, silver and copper. The resource estimate has an effective date of July 12, 2022. The completed works prepare the site for subsequent underground exploration and feasibility studies. The project is not in production, and the completed road covers the camp-to-proposed-portal section.

1 hour ago

2 hours ago

Kingfisher Reports High-Grade Lead-Zinc-Silver Intersections at Two Broken Hill Prospects

Kingfisher Mining has reported lead-zinc-silver drilling results from its Stephens Trig and Allendale prospects near Broken Hill, Australia. The first drilling at Stephens Trig since 2017 comprised five holes totaling 584 m. Results included 5 m at 7.4% combined lead and zinc and 10 g/t silver from 79 m downhole, including 2 m at 17.5% lead-zinc and 24 g/t silver. A separate interval returned 1 m at 198 g/t silver from 111 m. At Allendale, nine holes totaling 802 m returned 9 m at 8.05% lead-zinc and 17.9 g/t silver from 64 m, including 5 m at 10.37% lead-zinc and 23.2 g/t silver. Both prospects remain at the exploration stage.

2 hours ago

4 hours ago

[SHFE lead morning news] SHFE and LME pace slightly diverged, SHFE lead bucked the trend and shot up, closing with a long upper shadow

4 hours ago