Operating Rates of Primary Lead Smelters Down 3.91% on Week

SHANGHAI, Aug 13 (SMM) - Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces lost 3.91 percentage points from the previous week to 53.4% in the week ended August 13, showed an SMM survey.

Many smelters were affected by the power curtailment in Henan. Whether the power rationing will continue depends on the local power consumption. Henan Xinling halted the crude lead production under power cut, which led to the suspension of refined lead production. Jiyuan Wanyang’s production of crude lead and refined lead was affected by the power rationing, and the output of refined lead declined, which is expected to partially recover next week. Jinli’s crude lead production was affected, but the output of refined lead remained normal. Yongning Gold Lead reduced production by arounf 20%.

In Hunan, Shuikoushan Jinxing partly recovered production as planned, but is likely to slightly reduce production for lack of crude lead. Yuteng initially resumed production after the maintenance this week.

In Anhui, Tongguan started production this week, and the output is likely to partly recover next week. Gejiu Chuangyuan resumed production this week, but not in full capacity.