Primary lead smelters operating rates fell further amid continued maintenance

SHANGHAI, Apr 30 (SMM) — Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces lost 2.9 percentage points from the previous week to 54% in the week ended April 30, showed an SMM survey.

Henan Yuguang and Jinli were still under maintenance, and Shibin cut output due to tight raw materials supply. Hunan Yuteng reduced output slightly as it overhauled equipment for two days. Shuikoushan and Jinxin recovered part of production, and are expected to return to normal production after the Labour Day holiday. Yunnan Hongqian Nonferrous Metals maintained its production cut plans. Gejiu Chuangyuan cut output slightly this week, and Gejiu Tongfu reduced production by 50%. Chihong Zn & Ge plans to restore production by 500-1,000 mt next week.