Primary lead smelters operating rates remained stable despite ore tightness

SHANGHAI, Apr 17 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 53.8% in the week ended April 17, unchanged from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

The average operating rate has stayed at that level for two weeks.

Respective rates for the three regions also held stable, 65.9% in Henan, 38% in Yunnan and 43.5% in Hunan.

Stable production indicated that tight ore supply has yet to take a toll on primary lead smelters. SMM learned that inventories of raw material at Chinese primary lead smelters are currently about 26 days.

Anhui Tongguan and Chifeng Shanjin will conduct maintenance at the end of April to early May.