Doe Run Says Lead Demand Likely to Recover in 2010

LONDON, Oct. 13 -- U.S-based Doe Run Company, the privately held integrated lead producer, said it expects global lead demand to recover next year and will watch closely for improvements, adjusting its output to reflect this.

    "If the market picks up in the right quantity we will evaluate whether to increase production. We are prepared," said Jose Hansen, Doe Run's Vice President of Sales in an interview with Reuters on Monday.

    Hansen said he was optimistic about lead's demand prospects. "Order levels for the following months are going to see improvement," he said.

    Doe Run is the second biggest lead miner in the West behind BHP Billiton and the third biggest lead refiner.

    (Source: Reuters)